Just four games remain in the A-League Men’s season, with Melbourne City targeting maximum points in order to make a late push for Finals football.
Up next is the big stage of the Melbourne Derby as we return to familiar surroundings at AAMI Park.
After the first two editions this season ended in scoreless draws, here are a few of the factors that will decide the third and final meeting!
Which defence breaks first?
180 minutes of Melbourne Derby football have come and gone this season, but the aggregate scoreline still remains at 0-0.
The scoreboard doesn’t quite paint the full picture though, both games having been played under intense pressure with chances coming at both ends of the pitch.
There was Jamie Maclaren’s late winner being cruelly ruled out the first time around, while both sides hit the post back in February and somehow the deadlock remained.
City’s defence has been in good shape in recent weeks, recording three consecutive clean sheets before shipping two (one from the penalty spot) against the Mariners on Tuesday.
Our opponents on the other hand haven’t recorded a clean sheet since the last Derby, which is also the only one they’ve kept in 2024.
A goal surely must be coming at some point in this one, but all eyes will be on which defensive group can stand up under the tense Melbourne Derby atmosphere.
All on the line
The end of the regular season is fast approaching and with just 12 points left up for grabs, our City boys are running out of time to make a late push for Finals.
Currently sitting 4 points outside the top six, every game is crucial in the run home.
On our side is the fact we haven’t lost at AAMI Park since Round 1, and the squad will be under no illusions that a draw will do little to move the needle – three points being a must in the Derby.
Our cross-town rivals will be just as fired up, currently in their own fight to stay within the top four spots and secure a home final – while still having the possibility to make a late run for the top two.
As it has for a little while now, the Derby ledger remains squared away at 15 wins apiece.
With so much on the line this Saturday, expect the 44th edition of the Melbourne Derby to be as fiery as ever.
Big game players ready to stand up?
There’s no doubt there is quality right across the City squad, with potential game-breakers just about everywhere you look.
Tolgay Arslan, Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren and Marco Tilio spring to mind, all possessing the attacking prowess to turn the game on its head in a single moment.
The latter three did all come off the bench last time out (Leckie and Tilio on the road back from hamstring injuries) but given the pressure cooker that is a Derby – the City coaching staff could opt for some changes to the XI to bring some experience in.
Arslan continued his fine debut season down under with another goal last time out – his 15th in all competitions – and will be hungry to make his presence felt on the Derby.
Fixture Details
A-League Men: Round 23
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 6 April, 7:45pm
AAMI Park
