The annual Christmas Derby is here! See the five things to look forward to ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster clash.
Derby Day
It’s Christmas Derby time! Three sleeps out from Christmas, City will host Melbourne Victory in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
It’s a match that both teams will do anything to win, where big game players step up and grasp the opportunity on the biggest stage and where a moment of brilliance can decide the match.
With City’s three-time Westfield W-League champions hosting Canberra United prior to the derby, don’t miss a special footballing treat before Christmas.
Another one for the highlights reel?
If there is one player who is in the mood this festive season, it’s City midfielder Luke Brattan.
In City’s opening three fixtures in December, the midfielder has netted two magnificent strikes from outside the penalty area and is tied as the Club’s top scorer this season.
With a huge clash against fierce rivals Melbourne Victory this weekend, the 28-year-old will be looking to add another goal to his December highlights reel.
Huge Euge
Eugene Galekovic’s exceptional start to the season has continued, with a brilliant performance against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium last Sunday evening.
Like a fine wine, the City shot-stopper continues to get better with age. With Joyce’s men holding a 2-0 lead in the latter stages of their match against the Reds, the home side continued to push, determined to close the gap on the scoreboard.
City’s lead remained after two crucial saves from the veteran, as he registered his third clean sheet of the season – the equal most in the competition, alongside table-toppers Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory.
Bragging rights on the line
The Melbourne Derby has proven to be a fierce battle between two teams determined to represent their club and their fans with a win over their crosstown rivals.
It’s neighbour against neighbour. Mate against mate. Family against family. It’s a game which is set to be passionate and unrelenting.
With one win already against Kevin Muscat’s men, Head Coach Warren Joyce and his team will be looking to make it two from two in the 2018/19 season.
Defensive test
With only eight goals conceded so far this season – one behind Perth Glory who have conceded the least amount of goals in the competition – City have proven to be one of the competition’s strongest defensive outfits.
With the likes of Bart Schenkeveld and Harrison Delbridge anchoring the back four, City will need to be at their best when they face the potent attacking players that Victory possess.
Melbourne Victory have scored more goals than any other team this season, with 20 goals in eight matches, and hold the strongest conversion rate in the league.
As one of the league’s strongest defensive teams battles it out against one of the strongest attacking teams, we are set for an intriguing battle at AAMI Park
