Captain, Roderick Miranda, expects a different contest in the final Big Blue of the season.
Melbourne Victory proved far too strong for Sydney FC in January’s meeting on home soil, thumping their rivals 4-0 at AAMI Park, thanks to a Santos brace and goals from Keegan Jelacic and Lachlan Jackson.
The Boys in Blue were, however, on the wrong end of a result when the teams faced at Leichhardt Oval in mid-November, meaning this weekend’s clash at Allianz Stadium is a ‘decider’ when it comes to this campaign’s bragging rights.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Miranda looked at how distilling home advantage could be critical in determining the outcome this weekend.
“The Big Blue is a big game, big derby. So everybody is really excited to play the game.
“I think Sydney, it was not their best game, especially away from home. Whenever they play at home, they are a different team.
“They have a really good team, really good players as well, they play good football. But again, obviously, they have their weaknesses. We need to try to fight that, eliminate their strengths and play our game in the end.”
Victory concluded February with a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United in the Original Rivalry, but Miranda is confident a solid stint on the training track will have the team firing in New South Wales.
“It’s been a good week, a good week of training. A full week for us to try to get better, try to correct the small things we need to improve.”
Watch Miranda’s full press conference below.
