Melbourne Derby preview: Heart take aim at in-form Victory
All the buzz going into this game is about Melbourne Heart’s pulsating return to form, but will it be enough to overcome their crosstown rivals in Melbourne Victory?
On Saturday Night, AAMI Park will play host to the 12th installment of the Melbourne Derby as Melbourne Heart attempt to prove that they have quality in their ranks despite a dismal season to date.
A goal from the former Dutch international Orlando Engelaar ensured that the Heart ran away with the much-needed three points and sees their dreams of reaching the A-League finals alive. And John van’t Schip’s troops will be keen to prove that their win against league leaders Brisbane Roar was no fluke.
Meanwhile, Victory come into this match after a demoralising mid-week defeat in the Asian Champions League, where they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat after giving up a 2:0 half time lead to reigning AFC champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
Their mid-week trip means Victory will be playing their third match in seven days, and with their defence tired and exposed in the second half against Guangzhou, there is not doubt Heart’s in-form goal scorers Orlando Engelaar and David Williams will take every opportunity to pounce upon defensive slip-ups.
The boys in red have other avenues at goal too, with Harry Kewell and Mate Dugandzic both looking to be the first former Victory players to score against their old club in the derby. Out of favour Maltese striker Michael Mifsud also earns a promotion based on strong National Youth League performances which includes a hat trick against AIS two weeks ago.
Heart however have defensive troubles of their own, with Patrick Gerhardt and Aziz Behich both facing suspension after accumulating multiple yellow cards.
Victory have already notched up six goals this week, and could easily add to that tally. This is shaping up to be a high-scoring match, but Heart’s energy, momentum and confidence could put them in front. It remains to be seen whether or not Melbourne Victory have the capabilities to play in a similar to that of the first 45 minutes of their ACL tie in China and really test Heart’s defence.
In the last eleven Melbourne Derbies the only clean sheets have come during three goalless draws. Victory are one match away from equaling Heart’s season record of eleven games without a clean sheet, so this game certainly promises goals for both teams.
Head to Head and Form Guide:
Played 11. Heart: 3. Draw: 4. Victory: 4.
Last Meeting: 21/12/13 at AAMI Park. Melbourne Heart 1:3 Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Heart: DWWWW. Melbourne Victory: LLDWW
Absentee List:
Heart: Patrick Gerhardt, Aziz Behich (both suspended)
Victory: Pablo Contreras (suspended), Adrian Leijer (injured)
Probable XI:
Heart: Redmayne, Vranković, Kisnorbo, Wielaert, Hoffman, Engelaar, Kewell, Ramsay, Williams, Dugandžić, Mifsud.
Victory: Coe, Galloway, Ansell, Geria, Traoré, Broxham, Milligan, Mahazi, Troisi, Rogić, Thompson.
Eyes On:
Patrick Kisnorbo. His tackle on Besart Berisha late on last week ensured that the Heart took all three points. He has proven to be a powerhouse in defence and Heart will need him to replicate last week’s form should they win the match.
Prediction:
Melbourne Heart have both the belief and the momentum to continue their run, becoming the first team this season to notch five wins in a row and further pushing for a spot in the finals, but it won’t be without a fight from Victory. It should be a high-scoring contest.
Predicted Score: Heart 3:2 Victory (HT 1:1)
FTSAL Fact:
The Heart have only ever lost the Melbourne Derby once under John Van’t Schip.
Victory are one win from one Melbourne Derby under Kevin Muscat. In every Melbourne Derby where the Heart have scored first they’ve gone on to win. Victory have lost one and drawn one after scoring first.
In the last eleven Melbourne Derbies the only clean sheets have come during three goalless draws. Victory are one match away from equaling Heart’s season record of eleven games without a clean sheet, so this game certainly promises goals for both teams.
Written by Louis Bravos. Edited by Cronan Yu.
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