It’s that time of year again.
We all thought the biggest instalment of the Melbourne Derby was last year’s semi-final, but the forthcoming edition might just top it.
Bitter rivals City and Victory sit level on 28 points, separated only by goal difference. Needless to say this time, there is plenty more at stake than mere bragging rights.
Outside90 sought the thoughts of MV.net‘s Jason Bevilacqua and Billsy Newton of the Melburnians ahead of the game, about it, their clubs and each other.
Outside90: What’s your favourite Melbourne Derby clash of all time?
Bevilacqua: Beating City in last year’s semi-final on our way to a third A-League title was perhaps our best ever performance in a Melbourne Derby, but any Melbourne Victory fan will tell you that the 2012 Christmas derby was the one that will stick out in their minds forever – Archie Thompson, struck with a delicate chip that JUST made it across the goal line. The picture of Archie giving it large to the heavyset Heart fan in the crowd will remain a signature moment in his career.
Newton: Erik Paartalu’s header in extra time was pretty special. Winning 4-0 was also up there. Either one!
O90: How would you sum up City/Victory fans?
Bevilacqua: Fans? Allow this picture to sum up City’s “fans”…
Newton: There are two types of Victory fans, there’s the ones that you love to hate and then there’s the ones that you just hate! Gotta respect their passion and numbers but they’re as arrogant as it gets.
O90: Which current City/Victory player do you rate the most?
Bevilacqua: Fornaroli. When a foreigner comes in and dominates straight off the bat, it’s something you can’t help but admire.
Newton: I probably rate Berisha their best player. Pretty obvious answer. Doesn’t mean I like the man.
O90: Which City/Victory player do you love to hate?
Bevilacqua: Wilkinson. He hasn’t even played a game yet and I already hate him. Of course, I would have loved him if he came to Victory as was rumoured to be the case for months.
Newton: Berisha again. He’s good and he’s emotional. If he doesn’t play for City then I’m gonna LOATHE him.
O90: What do you rate your season out of 10 so far?
Bevilacqua: Three. With the exception of the 4-0 win against Brisbane, we have been playing badly. Our other wins have been relatively scrappy and we have major deficiencies. With a heavy ACL schedule coming up, we might not be able to make up the six points on the current top two which is pivotal if we are going to defend our title.
Newton: Six. I would rate our season as around the six mark. Pushing for a top end of the table finish. We have set ourselves nicely to push for a maiden title.
O90: Which areas of the pitch should Victory/City look to strengthen?
Bevilacqua: Defensive midfield. With Milligan gone and Valeri out for the rest of the season, Kevin Muscat must find an injury replacement despite his public reluctance to do so. The current crop of Mahazi, Broxham and Bozanic are not doing enough and our midfield is being bullied as a result.
Newton: We need a left-back. I love Clisby, some don’t, but we could definitely do better. Someone with a bit more consistency would be nice.
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O90: What formation and starting XI should Victory/City field this weekend?
Belivacqua: 4-3-3, even though Muscat may not have the personnel to execute it. The main issue in the starting XI is our back four. There have been constant changes over the season, which is difficult for a side struggling for consistency.
Vukovic
Geria – Delpierre – Ansell – Georgievski
Broxham – Bozanic
Finkler
Barbarouses – Berisha – Khalfallah
Newton: We need to start with a back four. I would say a 4-4-2.
Sorensen
Franjic – Wilkinson – Kisnorbo – Zullo
Mooy – Malik – Caceres
Fitzgerald – Fornaroli – Novillo
O90: Score prediction for Saturday?
Bevilacqua: High-scoring draw. 2-2 or 3-3.
Newton: We will win. Victory been making excuses for weeks now. They are scared. Hopefully another 4-0 but I’m tipping 2-1 again. Sorensen to score a header in extra time.
O90: Where will Victory finish come season’s end and where will City finish?
Bevilacqua: I feel Victory will struggle with A-League and ACL schedules running into the latter parts of the season. We will finish outside the top two and lose in a semi-final. City are playing some of the most exciting football in the league and have no excuses not to capitalise on their shrewd recruiting in the January transfer window. But, this is Melbourne City we are talking about. They have never dealt well with expectation.
Newton: City will finish first. Victory will finish 10th. No in all seriousness though, we’ll end up in top spot, I genuinely believe that and Victory’s ACL schedule will mean they limp into the finals in 5th or 6th.
O90: Provide one-word answers when you hear these words:
Bevilacqua:
Mooy – Overseas-bound
JVS – Orange
Kisnorbo – Dog
Novillo – X-Factor
Fornaroli – Dangerous
Newton:
Berisha – Cocky
Muscat – Wanker
Finkler – Crafty
Barbarouses – Slimy
Broxham – Joke
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