A-League Preview: Melbourne Derby! Melbourne City Struggles with Injuries, Lagging in Head-to-Head Record Against Melbourne Victory

On October 26, in the second round of the A-League, Melbourne City will face Melbourne Victory. Last season in the playoffs, Melbourne City was eliminated by their rivals. This match at home is a chance for them to seek revenge; Melbourne Victory drew their first game and aim to secure their first win of the season in this derby.

Melbourne City has bolstered its roster during the off-season with new signings including Yonathan Kohen, Anderson Kuhn, Atkinson, Ferreira, and Kai Twain. Melbourne Victory, on the other hand, changed managers, bringing in Kisnorbo, who previously led Melbourne City to a championship. They also signed forwards Rhys and Greek striker Vergos.

Although the new season has just begun, Melbourne City faces significant injury issues. Players such as Nkofski, Hilton, Lopane, Durakovic, Matthew Leckie, Caputo, and Mazzio are all unavailable. Additionally, both teams have players suspended due to red cards in the first round: James Jeggo from Melbourne City and defender Rodrick Miranda from Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne City secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle Jets in the first round thanks to a goal from Tilio. As the runners-up in last season’s playoffs, Melbourne Victory drew 0-0 with Central Coast Mariners, missing out on a winning start.

The Melbourne Derby marks Melbourne City’s first home game of the season. Last season, they had an impressive home record of 5 wins and 2 draws. Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, is on a two-game away streak and has not won an away match in five attempts across seasons, with 4 draws and 1 loss.

In the last 10 meetings between the two teams, Melbourne City has a record of 2 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses, putting them at a disadvantage. In the 2024 season, they met three times: Melbourne City drew 1 and lost 1 in the regular season, and in the playoffs, they drew 1-1 in regular time before being eliminated by Melbourne Victory in a penalty shootout. However, Melbourne Victory’s last away victory in the derby dates back to the 2019 season.

Despite having multiple injured players, Melbourne City aims to secure a second consecutive win and avenge their playoff elimination from last season. Melbourne Victory hopes to capitalize on the opponent’s injury crisis to secure their first win of the season and achieve their first away victory in five seasons.

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