Match details
City v Melbourne Victory
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Broadcast: Paramount+, Network 10, A-League Radio
Preview
Melbourne Victory turns its attentions back to the Isuzu UTE A-League with a Derby clash against City at AAMI Park on Saturday.
Victory fell short in the AFC Champions League play-off on Tuesday, suffering a thrilling 4-3 extra-time loss to Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Tony Popovic’s side return to domestic action with a Melbourne Derby meeting with City.
It comes after a brave Victory outfit fought hard but was beaten by Vissel Kobe.
Nick D’Agostino’s brace moved him onto 11 goals in all competitions this season, while Ben Folami’s stunning equaliser forced extra-time.
While Folami set up one of D’Agostino’s goals, the latter was also credited with an assist for the former’s 90th-minute strike.
In a boost for Victory, Matt Spiranovic and Rai Marchan made their returns from injury in the loss in Japan.
Matt Acton, meanwhile, made his first start of the season, taking his place in goal.
Victory’s meeting with City will be its first Isuzu UTE A-League game since March 9, when it drew 1-1 with the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
Player in focus
D’Agostino is in red-hot form for Victory. The forward has scored five goals in his past three games in all competitions.
Last time
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 Round 5
City 2-2 Melbourne Victory
Saturday, December 18, 2021
AAMI Park, Melbourne
The Christmas Derby was a thriller.
Francesco Margiotta’s opener was cancelled out by Jamie Maclaren before Andrew Nabbout put City ahead, but D’Agostino equalised late on for Victory.
Head to head
Round 5, 2021/22: City 2-2 Victory at AAMI Park
Round 24, 2020/21: Victory 1-1 City at AAMI Park
Round 17, 2020/21: City 7-0 Victory at AAMI Park
Round 11, 2020/21: Victory 0-6 City at Marvel Stadium
Round 18, 2019/20: City 2-1 Victory at AAMI Park
