Match details
Melbourne Victory v City
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+, Network 10, A-League Radio
Preview
Melbourne Victory hosts City in a blockbuster Derby clash between two of the form teams in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Victory takes on City at AAMI Park on Saturday in what will be its third game in eight days.
Tony Popovic’s side is back at home after collecting six points on the road, thanks to 1-0 wins over Adelaide United and Perth Glory.
An excellent strike from Francesco Margiotta in the second half at HBF Park gave Victory a deserved three points, lifting it into third and extending its unbeaten league run to eight matches.
Margiotta’s goal was his third of the league campaign, equal with Marco Rojas for Victory and behind only Nick D’Agostino (seven).
The two away wins have given Victory the perfect start to a run of eight games in April.
It faces its biggest test of the month so far when it takes on City, which is unbeaten in 11 matches.
Victory is 15 points behind league leader City, but has also played four fewer games this season.
In a boost, Roderick Miranda is back and available from suspension as Victory looks to reignite the race for the Premier’s Plate.
The past three derbies have ended in draws, with the two matches this season in particular providing plenty of entertainment and drama.
Player in focus
Jake Brimmer set up Margiotta’s winner in Perth with his fifth assist of the league season. That is the equal most for Victory, alongside Rojas, and only three players have provided more in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Last time
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 Round 18
City 1-1 Melbourne Victory
Saturday, March 19, 2022
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Rojas’ opener gave Victory a deserved lead in the previous Derby last month.
But it was unable to capitalise on its dominance and Curtis Good’s header on the stroke of half-time saw the teams share the spoils.
Head to head
Round 18, 2021/22: City 1-1 Victory at AAMI Park
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
