Melbourne City returns to Isuzu UTE A-League action for the first time in a fortnight on Saturday, with the annual Christmas Derby set to take centre stage at AAMI Park.
The traditional pre-Christmas showdown sees City take on crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory once again, with plenty on the line as both sides look to build momentum heading into the busy festive period.
Don’t miss the traditional Christmas Derby – click here to get your tickets!
Here are all the key talking points ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster:
A full week of preparation
It’s been a rare luxury for Aurelio Vidmar’s side, but City has enjoyed a full week on the training park leading into Saturday night’s Derby.
Following the squad’s late return from South Korea last Friday, where City earned a gritty 1-1 draw against FC Seoul in the AFC Champions League Elite, there were no domestic commitments last weekend, allowing the group valuable time to reset and prepare.
That extended preparation has come at an ideal time, with Victory arriving at AAMI Park full of confidence after snapping a disappointing run of form with a 2-1 win over Adelaide United last weekend.
City comes into the clash unbeaten in our last four matches across all competitions, including a win in our most recent league outing. Kavian Rahmani’s composed first-half finish proved decisive in a 1-0 victory away to Newcastle two weeks ago.
Saturday night also marks the second meeting between the two sides this season. City claimed all three points in an impressive 2-0 Derby win back in October, with Max Caputo striking early before Peter Antoniou netted his first professional goal to seal the result.
An experienced head returns
City will welcome back a familiar and proven performer for the Christmas Derby, with Andrew Nabbout returning to the squad after completing concussion protocols. The experienced attacker was sidelined for the last couple of fixtures after a frustrating interruption, having played six consecutive matches since returning from a long-term ACL injury.
Now cleared and ready to go once again, Nabbout adds valuable experience and edge to City’s attacking options – particularly in a fixture he’s enjoyed in the past, having found the back of the net three times in Derby clashes. His return is a timely boost as City looks to convert recent strong performances into points at home.
There’s also positive news at the other end of the experience spectrum, with young defender Besian Kutleshi named in the extended squad after missing the last two matches with a minor ankle issue. Kutleshi started in the previous Derby and provides additional defensive depth for Vidmar to call upon.
Beckham Baker has also been promoted to the extended squad this week, while Ben Mazzeo misses out with a minor quad niggle.
The beginning of a long home run
After an opening stretch of the season dominated by travel, City is now set to enjoy a sustained run at AAMI Park. Saturday night’s Christmas Derby marks just City’s second home league match of the campaign, but it also kicks off a significant period at home.
Across the next four weeks, City will play seven home matches in a row, offering a prime opportunity to build rhythm, consistency, and momentum after a demanding start to the season.
Already sitting fourth on the table with a game in hand, Vidmar’s side will be focused on making the most of that home advantage as we look to climb further up the standings and set a strong platform for the second half of the campaign.
With preparation time, reinforcements returning, and a big crowd expected, the stage is set for another blockbuster Christmas Derby.
Fixture Details
Isuzu UTE A-League: Round 9
Melbourne City FC v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 20 December, 7:35pm KO
AAMI Park
GET TICKETS!
