The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to return to the winner’s list and extend their lead on fourth position when they face Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Friday night.
City will be looking to claim all three points in the match dubbed as ‘The Decider’ following two consecutive league losses, which has seen their ladder lead on Victory cut to four points.
Last weekend Warren Joyce’s side suffered a disappointing loss, going down 2-1 to Perth Glory at nib Stadium.
The side from Melbourne took the lead in the 44th minute following a sublime solo effort from young attacker Daniel Arzani. But Perth hit back in the closing stages of the match to claim all three points, as Neil Kilkenny found the back of the net against his old side before Adam Taggart netted a late winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
While Joyce’s men will be determined to return to the winner’s list, it won’t be easy as the face a Victory team who found confidence in their last result.
Following three consecutive A-League losses, Kevin Muscat’s side returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
Victory opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Taylor Regan found the back of his own net before Leroy George doubled the home teams lead before the break with a brilliant free-kick. Besart Berisha sealed all three points for Victory with a tap-in in the 59th minute.
With one win apiece between the two sides so far this season, bragging rights will be on the line come Friday night in the must-watch derby.
Team News
Defensive cover comes into the side after the suspension of Bart Schenkeveld. See out full team news.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in the Christmas Derby in Round 12, as Victory snatched all three points in a dramatic period of stoppage time.
Dean Bouzanis conceded a late penalty, which saw Mark Milligan slot the spot kick in the 97th minute.
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
If you’re in football, you are looking forward to games like this, situations like this.
You have to relish it, look forward to it, stand up to it and enjoy it and put every little bit of your concentration and effort and skill that you’ve got into getting through these games.
Victory Head Coach Kevin Muscat
This week has been all about building on (last weekend’s result) … the excitement factor (for a derby) goes through the roof.
Where and when
City host Melbourne Victory in the 26th edition of the Melbourne Derby on Friday 2 March, kick-off 7:50pm.
