The stage is set for the annual Christmas Derby as we prepare to face Melbourne Victory for the second time this A-League Men’s season.
Three points would be the perfect early Christmas present as we take to AAMI Park for one last time in 2024.
Here’s a reminder of the major storylines heading into this one.
DOES OUR ‘AWAY’ FORM CONTINUE?
It’s been an unusual form line for our City boys so far this season.
We’ve collected a perfect 12 points from four away matches but have managed just one point from our three home fixtures.
Included among those away matches was one game in our home venue of AAMI Park against Western United, which is the same scenario we’ll face this Saturday night.
While those numbers might raise eyebrows, it’s important not to read too much into them. When it comes to a Derby, form and statistics go out the window.
Despite only taking a point from last week’s clash against the league leaders Auckland, there were plenty of positives to build on, and City will head into Saturday night’s clash brimming with confidence.
MOVING ON FROM LAST TIME
No City fan needs reminding of the disappointment from the first half-hour of the Round 2 Derby. This Saturday offers the perfect chance to move on from that result and claim another massive three points.
While we remain without Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio as they continue to recover from persistent hamstring injuries, the lineup has been relatively settled in recent weeks.
Aside from rotations among our young strikers, our XI has been consistent. Defensively, Samuel Souprayen has led the backline with composure, while the midfield has been a strong and reliable presence.
Fellow international stars Andreas Kuen and Yonatan Cohen have also hit their stride, playing a key role in creating a significant number of chances over the past few weeks.
There will be a different face leading the charge in the opposition dugout following the shock departure of Victory Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo during the week, and while it won’t change the approach of our City boys, it will certainly be interesting to see how our opponents react.
WHO STEPS UP ON THE BIG STAGE?
There’s no better stage to make a name for yourself than a Melbourne Derby, and Saturday night could see a new Derby hero emerge.
17-year-old striker Medin Memeti is in fine form, having scored his first AAMI Park goal last weekend.
Fellow young guns Kavian Rahmani and Ben Mazzeo also loom as potential game-changers off the bench.
Andreas Kuen will be hungry to leave his mark on the Derby after being limited to a 30-minute cameo off the bench in Round 2 as he returned from injury.
Another player to watch is Patrick Beach in goal, who will be aiming for his fourth clean sheet of the season.
FIXTURE DETAILS
A-League Men: Round 9
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 21 December, 7:35pm
AAMI Park
