Opinion: New writer Nicholas Duxson previews the Melbourne Derby ..


Just one point between them!

After two games each, no one expected Heart and Victory to have just one point between them – it makes this weekend’s derby even more important.

Both teams come in off a loss – Heart going down 2-1 in Perth, while Victory are yet to score for the season after being defeated by Adelaide 1-0.

Heart will be without their hamstrung captain Fred – but may welcome back ex-skipper Simon Colosimo, freeing up Matt Thompson to move back into the midfield.

Adrian Leijer – Victory’s captain – will also miss through suspension, with 19-year-old defender Petar Franjic set to start.

Victory manager Mehmet Durakovic looks set to alter his forward set-up again, with Archie Thompson predicting a return to the familiar central striker role filled by star recruit Harry Kewell last week.

Kewell will likely play a wide attacking role on the left side of the pitch, alongside the central Carlos Hernandez and right-sided youngster Marco Rojas. Expect striker Danny Allsopp to return to the Victory squad as a possible sub for Thompson later in the match.

Pacey striker David Williams and ex-Victory forward Mate Dugandzic will look to add to their season tallies against a weakened Victory defence, while experienced keeper Clint Bolton has been added to an extended Heart squad and is a strong chance to return. Rutger Worm and Jason Hoffman have also been named.

With the derby ledger even at 1-1-1 after last season, both sides will be extra-determined to kick start their season. My tip, a 2-1 victory for the Heart.

Possible starting line-ups:

Victory: Covic, Foschini, Franjic, Vargas, Fabio, Broxham, Brebner, Rojas, Hernandez, Kewell, Thompson.

Heart: Bolton, Marrone, Colosimo, Good, Behich, Hoffman, Thompson, Shroj, Alex Terra, Dugandzic, Williams

Melbourne Victory FC vs Melbourne Heart FC takes plave on Saturday 22 October at Docklands (Etihad) Stadium, Melbourne – Kick off @ 7.45 pm local time

By Nicholas Duxson 21 October, 2011