Melbourne Victory is looking to build on a strong performance when it faces City in the Derby at AAMI Park on Friday.
Summary
Victory returned to winning ways in style last time out, beating Adelaide United 3-0 in a comprehensive result.
Leroy George and Besart Berisha scored after Taylor Regan’s own goal, while the Reds had Dzengis Cavusevic sent off in the second half.
That result ended a five-game winless run for Victory, which is fourth in the Hyundai A-League and can close the gap to third-placed City to a point with another win.
George scored a tremendous free-kick and had an assist against Adelaide to continue his fine campaign.
The winger has now netted four times and provided 12 assists, which is four more than any other player in the Hyundai A-League.
George has also created the second most chances in the competition, while he leads the way for crosses.
The clean sheet against Adelaide was Victory’s second this year and first since a 3-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on January 19.
Victory has won three of its past four matches against City, which has suffered back-to-back losses heading into the clash.
Player in focus
What they said
“All the derbies around the world are special. It’s a derby. This one is very special for me because I scored my first goal in the A-League in the Derby so I have a good memory in this game, but every game is different, every derby is different and I try to enjoy it because the atmosphere is amazing so I can’t wait to play again.” – City forward Bruno Fornaroli.
“The boys responded perfectly on Saturday night, we needed that, and the way we went about it was fantastic, the boys’ attitude was spot on and we need three points again on Friday night. If we get that then we’re in a good position, we’re hunting them down for third position at the moment so we need to get that and then we can go from there.” – Victory attacker Kosta Barbarouses.
Last time
Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Round 12
City 0-1 Melbourne Victory
Saturday, December 23, 2017
AAMI Park, Melbourne
The last Derby was won by Victory in thrilling fashion at AAMI Park.
As the clash looked headed for a draw, Mark Milligan stepped up to score a 96th-minute penalty to see Victory claim a dramatic win.
Head to head
Round 12, 2017/18: City 0-1 Victory at AAMI Park
Round 2, 2017/18: Victory 1-2 City at Etihad Stadium
Round 18, 2016/17: Victory 2-1 City at Etihad Stadium
Round 11, 2016/17: City 1-2 Victory at AAMI Park
Semi-Finals, FFA Cup 2016: Victory 0-2 City at AAMI Park
Friday, 2 March 2018
Melbourne City FC v Melbourne Victory
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 7:50 PM
Referee: Kris Griffiths-Jones Assistant
Referee 1: Paul Cetrangolo
Assistant Referee 2: Luke Brennan
Fourth Official: Shaun Evans
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 501 from 7.00pm (AEDT) and Sky Sport 2 (New Zealand)
Radio Broadcast: myfootballnation.com (1377 Classic Rock, SportFM Perth). ABC News on Radio, Grandstand Digital, Online & via the ABC Listen App – A-League Live.
Melbourne City FC squad (two to be omitted): 1.Dean BOUZANIS (gk), 2.Manny MUSCAT, 3. Scott JAMIESON, 4. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 7. Nick FITZGERALD, 8.Oliver BOZANIC, 10.Dario VIDOSIC, 11. Bruce KAMAU, 13. Stefan MAUK, 14.Daniel ARZANI, 15.Denis GENREAU, 18. Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 21.Ruon TONGYIK, 22. Michael JAKOBSEN, 23.Bruno FORNAROLI, 26. Luke BRATTAN, 27. Marcin BUDZINSKI, 37.Nathaniel ATKINSON
Ins: 2.Manny MUSCAT (returns from illness), 21.Ruon TONGYIK (promoted), 15.Denis GENREAU (promoted)
Outs: 5.Bart SCHENKEVELD (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: 6.Osama MALIK (quad), 19.Christian CAVALLO (quad)
Melbourne Victory squad (two to be omitted): Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Matt ACTON (gk), 2.Jason GERIA, 4.Rhys WILLIAMS, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Kenny ATHIU, 8.Besart BERISHA, 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10.James TROISI, 14. Thomas DENG, 17.James DONACHIE, 18.Matias SANCHEZ, 19. Pierce WARING, 20.Lawrence THOMAS (gk), 21.Carl VALERI (c), 23.Jai INGHAM, 24.Terry ANTONIS, 31.Christian THEOHAROUS, 41.Leroy GEORGE Ins: 7.Kenny ATHIU, 23.Jai INGHAM
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 11.Mitch AUSTIN (knee)
