The first edition of the Melbourne Derby for season 10 of the Hyundai A-League promises to be one of the biggest yet. Some key signings for both sides makes not only for an enticing clash as a whole, but the little mini battles within it just as interesting. The Corner Flag has picked out four of the key match ups in the build up for the clash
Matthieu Delpierre v David Villa
The obvious choice – Delpierre has impressed in the first two rounds of the season with a goalscoring debut against the Wanderers before a solid display at the heart of the defence against Adelaide. Villa’s performances have been well documented and the Spaniard will be hoping to add to his goalscoring tally before he leaves the club after Round 4.
Both men have considerable European experience with the Frenchman no stranger to coming up against world class talent with the likes of Mario Gomez, Edin Dzeko, Raul and Robert Lewandowski being some of the many superstars the former Stuttgart captain has faced. If Delpierre can keep Villa quiet and limit his goalscoring opportunities then Victory will fancy their chances of taking all three points.
Mark Milligan v Aaron Mooy
The Victory skipper returned to the side last week – after missing the opening round due to international duty – and can expect a tough battle come Saturday when he faces up against the energetic Mooy. The former Bolton youngster has impressed in his opening two games for City, continuing on with much of the good form that saw him become a standout for Tony Popovic’s Wanderers side in their first two seasons. However there is a perception that Mooy struggles in the big games when encountering formidable opposition.
His dual with Milligan on Saturday night will be a considerable test for the 24 year-old with the two certainly destined to get the best out each other once the electric atmosphere awaiting fans on Saturday night at Etihad kicks off.
Patrick Kisnorbo v Besart Berisha
The A-League’s best out-an-out (permanent) centre forward comes up against one of the competition’s toughest centre halves in a dual which could potentially see sparks fly. Kisnorbo will be looking to make amends for a reckless red card tackle in last year’s second derby while Berisha will be hoping to mark his first taste of cross-town derby football in the A-League by doing what he does best, scoring a goal or two.
The two have history, with Kisnorbo’s heroic perfectly timed challenge preventing Berisha from scoring a last minute equaliser for the Roar in February this year. The Albanian has not scored against City since the 2012/13 season with the winner of this pairing surely giving their side the edge in the pressure-cooker environment that awaits the two sides.
Daniel Georgievski v Damien Duff
The two new arrivals have been standouts for their respective clubs in the opening weeks of the competition and their match-up on the wings of the Etihad is one to keep an eye out for. Duff has tormented left-backs in his first two games for City, with his constant running and dangerous crosses causing many problems for opponents. Georgievski, a late season signing, has settled in nicely to the Victory set-up, putting in several workmanlike displays where he has managed to keep the opposing opponents quiet. This match-up may not even come to pass as news has come that Jason Geria will miss the derby, which could see Georgievski shift out onto the right.
While the two are not their sides glamour signings, they have proven to be firm fan-favourites thanks to their tireless efforts and come Saturday, their match should go a long way in determining which side comes up on top in Derby number thirteen.