Three key taking points – Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC

Three key taking points – Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC

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The Australia Day Big Blue returns as the old foes face off for a second time this season.

Victory on the verge of Big Blue record

Heading into Tuesday night’s Australia Day Big Blue, Melbourne Victory will be verging on an illustrious record over their interstate rivals. Having downed Sydney FC in their last two clashes (and picking up points in each of the last seven), Kevin Muscat’s men run out at Etihad Stadium with the chance to become the first side to take home three consecutive wins in this fixture – which, given their bitter rivalry, is certainly something the Victorians will relish. With that record on the line and both sides picking up form in recent weeks (Melbourne going four undefeated while Sydney are now without a loss in five), and the top six separated by just a handful of points, fans can expect another Australia Day classic.

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Melbourne’s dynamic attack vs Sydney’s resolute defence

Despite history showing the Big Blue is made for a high-scoring spectacles, this Australia Day’s instalment may well see both sides frustrated by opposing tactics. With the likes of Kosta Barbarouses, Besart Berisha, Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Gui Finkler leading the front line, it is no surprise the Victory have earned their seven wins off the back of goals from the fearsome foursome. But as illustrated by their 3-3 draw with the Central Coast just two rounds ago, when sides sit back, absorb the pressure and frustrate Victory’s attack, the home side struggles to break through. Given Sydney’s usually airtight defence, and implementation of similar tactics against Western Sydney last weekend, we should be in for an interesting struggle across the 90 minutes.


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Sky Blues’ away success

Although Sydney FC head to Etihad Stadium without a win in their last seven clashes with Victory, Graham Arnold’s men certainly will not be low on confidence. Despite their record-breaking run of regular season away games without a loss coming to an end earlier in the campaign, the Sky Blues have been back to their travelling best across the board, managing to pick up points in six of seven on the road – and going four regular season games without defeat in Melbourne. With that impressive record, and their defensive tactics in mind, Sydney will travel south with a chance at three points, and top top spot.

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