Melbourne Derby 11.0
We are set for the eleventh instalment of the Melbourne derby with both teams desperately seeking the three points. Heart will be searching for their first win of the season and Victory is looking to secure their top six positions.
This will be the second time Kewell faces his former team, and being guaranteed a start by Aloisi the pressure will be on him from the first whistle. The blue section of AAMI Park will feel like a cauldron in comparison to the reception he received at Etihad in the season opener and it will be interesting to see how Kewell responds. Heart striker Michael Mifsud managed to open his account last week after what seemed an eternity, sure he had an open net after rounding the keeper but I’m sure Heart supporters still had their heart in their mouth. The defence will be looking towards Patrick Kisnorbo to show some vital leadership and consistency from the back, something that has been lacking in the first 10 matches.
Victory marquee signing Pablo Contreras will be looking for an improvement after his stray elbow from the last derby saw him miss the following two games. Contreras still appears to be finding it hard to adjust to ALeague level and leaves his marquee role as questionable at this stage. Any world cup aspirations appear to be disappearing on current form. Star player Mark Milligan will be searching for a quality appearance tonight, his form like many others in a Victory shirt hasn’t been up to expected standards. Archie Thompson returns to the squad after two week on the sidelines (hamstring) and has already fired a few shots across the Yarra during the various press conferences this week.
Form Guide
Simple, Victory has been patchy, whilst Heart has been terrible. Last week Victory managed to get the three points after playing a dysfunctional Perth Glory. Over the last fortnight Heart have shown glimpses but cannot manage to put together 90 minutes.
Played: 10 Heart: 3 Draw: 4 Victory: 3
Heart: LDDLL. Victory: WLDWL
Absentee List
Whilst club icon Archie Thompson returns to the club Heart are still without marquee signing Orlando Engelaar (6-9 weeks), Jonaton Germano (5 weeks) and back up striker Dylan Macalister (match fitness). Victory finds themselves in the envious position of no injuries throughout the busy Christmas period.
Eyes On…
Harry Kewell – Who else? After missing a penalty last week Kewell will be looking to make amends as he leads his team out for his first home derby as Heart captain. There will be a question mark on his ability to run out 90 minutes but one thing is for sure, he will have an impact on the game. Whether that is positive or negative is the question. Watch for his link up play with Mifsud.
Nathan Coe – The Victory keeper isn’t showing his stellar form of the last few seasons but has shown up at important stages of the season. One criticism for his style of play this season is how decision making when coming out of his area. This is a crucial factor when playing a counter attacking team such as the Heart. Coe will be looking to command his area early and he will be looking for yet another derby clean sheet.
Prediction
Heart say Heart, head says I’ve got no idea. I won’t be opening my sportsbet account for this match it’s just too hard. On form I have to tip Victory but wouldn’t be surprised if the points are shared. Draw 1-1
FTSAL Fact
Thompson has scored FIVE goals in the Melbourne derby. Archie 3, Matt 2.
Extra Time
Make sure you purchase a Santa hat tonight or donate to the #SantaHatAppeal that is raising money for the recent events in the Philippines.
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