The clash
Melbourne City FC will look to return to winning ways when they take on Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. With one win and one draw from their previous two meetings this season, City will be looking to end the regular season unbeaten against their rivals.
Following their 1-1 draw with Adelaide United in Round 18, City suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss on the road to Newcastle last week.
Jair opened the scoring at McDonald Jones Stadium in the 22nd minute, before Jamie Maclaren hit back 10 minutes into the second half.
As City pressed in search of a winner, the Jets struck with two goals in four minutes on the counter attack as both Joseph Champness and Roy O’Donovan found the back of the net to secure the points.
City will be looking to bounce back against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory, who are coming off a 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix at Eden Park last Friday afternoon.
‘Nix attacker Roy Krishna opened the scoring in the 57th minute, when he blasted his effort from close range in to the roof of the net. Victory then went on to earn a share of the spoils, as Keisuke Honda made no mistake with a composed finish from the penalty spot.
Saturday night’s match is shaping up to be an enthralling contest between two finals aspirants. Melbourne City will be looking to claw their way back into the top-four with a difficult schedule over the next three weeks, as Victory will be eager to fight off Sydney FC and remain in second place.
Last time they met
City attacker Dario Vidosic was the hero, last time the two teams met. Vidosic met Scott Jamieson’s cross with a thunderous header at the back post to earn City a late share of the spoils in the Christmas Derby.
Ola Toivonen opened the scoring early in the second-half, before Vidosic’s 90+2nd minute strike ensured that City would remain undefeated in the opening two Melbourne derbies of the season.
Team news
The extended squad is in ahead of Saturday night’s Melbourne Derby. See full team news here.
What was said
Melbourne City FC Head Coach Warren Joyce
“We’ve got to move on from that now [poor performance] and look forward to a great game tomorrow, a great game to be involved in,” Joyce said.
“I don’t think we fear anybody in the league, that’s not what it’s about, it’s about driving for consistency… managing games through, killing teams off, putting teams to bed and scoring goals from the opportunities you create.”
Where and when
City take on Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday 23 February, kick-off 7:50pm, before hosting ladder-leaders Perth Glory at AAMI Park on Sunday 3 March, kick-off 5:00pm.
