Our team is in for the 20th edition of the Melbourne Derby on Saturday. See who’s in and who’s out of this week’s side!
It was mission accomplished for John van’t Schip’s squad in Round 1 as they departed Wellington with all three points and a clean bill of health, entering the Derby with no real injury concerns.
The ‘in’ that all City fans were waiting for was the inclusion of Tim Cahill and the Dutchman has named the Socceroos star, selecting him in the extended squad that will be cut down by two 90 minutes before kick-off.
Cahill played 20 minutes in the Socceroos’ draw with Japan on Tuesday night and has returned to training at CFA Melbourne ready for the contest. In what may be his first domestic appearance in almost 15 years, Cahill is on track to play a role in another chapter of the battle between the two rivals.
The only casualty from the win against the Phoenix was Thomas Sorensen who will sit out this week, serving a one match ban for his goal-saving red card on Saturday.
Dean Bouzanis is set to make his starting debut for the Club after a strong second half performance at Westpac Stadium with National Youth League goalkeeper Yaren Sozer set to occupy the reserve ‘keeper spot on the bench.
Melbourne City take on Victory in the Melbourne Derby on Saturday at Etihad Stadium, kick-off 7.50pm.
Melbourne City FC Squad: 20. Dean Bouzanis (GK), 2. Manny Muscat, 3. Josh Rose, 4. Connor Chapman, 6. Osama Malik, 8. Neil Kilkenny, 9. Nicolas Colazo, 10. Anthony Caceres, 11. Bruce Kamau, 12. Nick Fitzgerald, 17. Tim Cahill, 18. Paulo Retre, 21. Ruon Tongyik, 22. Michael Jakobsen, 23. Bruno Fornaroli, 26. Luke Brattan, 27. Fernando Brandan, Yaren Sozer (GK) ***two to be omitted***
Ins: 17. Tim Cahill (returns from international duty), 21. Ruon Tongyik (promoted), Yaren Sozer (GK) (promoted)
Outs: 1. Thomas Sorensen (suspended – one match)
Unavailable: 7. Corey Gameiro (ACL – season),), 28. Steve Kuzmanovski (international duty)
