Melbourne Derby X Preview
Saturday 12th October
Kickoff: 7:45pm ADST Etihad Stadium
Head to Head
Played: 9 Victory: 3 Draws: 3 Heart: 3
Last time they met: Victory 2-1 Stars Thompson and Milligan both scored as Victory controlled the majority of the clash.
The Melbourne Derby has become an important date on the sporting calendar. The tenth instalment also doubles as the season opener for both clubs. 40,000 plus are expected at Etihad stadium and the stadium should be a buzz with colour.
Fans have been waiting six months to finally see some A-League action and it doesn’t come much bigger than this. The international weekend affects both squads and may reduce the amount of goals scored as both clubs are missing key scoring options. Harry Kewell returns to the league but this time in red and will receive the coldest of Melbourne spring welcomes.
Whatever the result let’s hope we are talking about the events that occur on the pitch.
Missing in action:
Victory: Mark Milligan, Kosta Barbarouses (both International duty)
Heart: Orlando Engelaar (long term injury), Dylan MaCallister (Hamstring 4-6 weeks), Michael Mifsud (International duty), Jonatan Germano (Hamstring 3 weeks)
Why Victory will win:
They have assembled one of the strongest squads in the league and will be looking to make a strong start to the season. The club will be hurt by the international weekend, especially at the front end of the pitch. Postecoglu will be relying heavily on star Archie Thompson to score his fourth derby goal. New marquee Pablo Contreras will be keen to show fans why the club chose a defensive option for the spot and will be also be sure to send a message to the clubs mass of supporters.
A good preseason win against the Wanderers in Tasmania reminded most fans that even last years standouts could look sluggish against the youthful Victory. Mitch Nichols and James Troisi will be keen to stamp their authority on the midfield early and support the youngsters around them. Keeper Nathan Coe showed last season he is a quality keeper and will have a far greater support this season. Although it is still only early in the season Victory have too much quality.
Why Heart will win:
One year on and John Aloisi will be looking to repeat his derby debut heroics. Quality has been added to the squad in every area and club favourite Aziz Behich returns on a 12 month loan. Recent signing Partick Kisnorbo has flown under the radar with the bulk of the attention going towards Kewell but should be a great asset to the club. Patrick Gerhardt finds himself available for the match after a confusing paperwork mix up saw him serve his suspension (from last season) in the preseason against some questionable opposition.
Heart’s form in the preseason has been patchy to say the least and a lack of cohesion may cost the starting XI in the opening twenty minutes. If the players can stem the tide early they could pull off an unlikely win. Andrew Redmeyne starts this season as the clubs number one keeper and he will be relying on a new look back four that includes new Dutch signing Robbie Wielaert who has experienced a very limited preseason. Most Heart fans will be interested to see how new addition Harry Kewell plays against his old club, and more importantly what he can offer the team going forward.
Did you know: All three matches last season finished with a 2-1 score.
Final Whistle: Victory 3 Heart 1 Thompson finding the back of the net at least once in front of 42,322 fans.
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