Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With all eyes falling on AAMI Park on Saturday morning, the A-League will celebrate its 20th anniversary season with the first-ever original Melbourne Derby Grand Final.
Melbourne City
Starting with Melbourne City, while the Sky Blues might have been left frustrated this season as they had to settle for a silver medal finish among Australia’s elite, Aurelio Vidmar’s men have reached their fifth Grand Final in the past six years. Storming past Western United last week as they secured a thumping 4-1 aggregate win, they have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 appearances – a run that stems all the way back to February 7th. g off their regular-season adventure with a stellar 5-1 romp against historic rivals Sydney, Melbourne City will also be excited by their extended dominance on home soil. In fact, Vidmar’s camp have been hit with just a sole defeat in front of their own ers so far this calendar year.
Melbourne City Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Melbourne City will once again be without the trio of Andrew Nabbout, Jayden Necovski and James Nieuwenhuizen. Likewise, not featuring since way back in December, ex-Strum Graz midfielder James Jeggo remains on the sidelines.
While Max Caputo might have bagged just a single strike in his previous five appearances, the 19-year-old should keep his spot leading Vidmar’s attack. Former Austria youth International Andreas Kuen will partner Alessandro Lopane in the middle of the park.
Melbourne Victory
As for Melbourne Victory, mounting what was a sensational second-leg comeback away at Auckland last week, Arthur Diles’ men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Despite eventually settling for a fifth-place finish this season, the former Newcastle coach has seen his squad reached consecutive Grand Slam Finals. Although the Dark Blues might open Saturday’s showpiece event pencilled in as an underdog contender, they will be excited by what is a largely rugged record against their bitter local rivals. Unbeaten in all of their previous seven meetings across all competitions, Diles’ camp are more than capable of springing an upset at AAMI Park. However, despite landing that stellar 2-0 victory away at Auckland last week, that is the only clean sheet that the Dark Blues have ed from their previous nine outings.
Melbourne Victory Team News
Missing out against Auckland last week with a reported ACL injury, Melbourne Victory will be without former Western Sydney defender Brendan Hamill on Saturday morning. Not featuring over the past few weeks, Diles’ camp are also expected to be without ex-Basel star Adama Traore this weekend.
Finding the net in Auckland last week on what was his first A-League start since the end of March, veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli should keep his spot leading the line. One-time Wolves defender Roderick will partner Lachlan Jackson at the heart of Diles’ defence.
Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory Key Factors to Consider
- When Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory last met on February 22nd, Saturday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate.
- Five of the last seven meetings between the two Melbourne rivals have finished in a draw.
- Melbourne City have suffered just a single defeat at AAMI Park so far this calendar year.
- The Victory’s 2-0 victory away at Auckland last week was the only clean sheet that they have recorded from their previous nine outings.
- All of the last five showdowns between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
With the two bitter Melbourne rivals playing out a dramatic 2-2 stalemate when they last met back on February 22nd, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller from AAMI Park on Saturday morning. In what could prove to be a fiery affair, the two local foes have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. In fact, with all of the last five showdowns between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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