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A-League derby thumping in past for City

3 minute read

Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo says his team's 6-0 win over Melbourne Victory in March is ancient history heading into Saturday's derby.

PATRICK KISNORBO assistant coach of Melbourne City.
PATRICK KISNORBO assistant coach of Melbourne City. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

It was a seismic result at the time but Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo says his team's thrashing of Melbourne Victory in March means nothing heading into Saturday's A-League derby.

City ran rampant over their struggling crosstown rivals on their way to a 6-0 win at Marvel Stadium, a loss Victory coach Grant Brebner could only describe as "humiliating".

Since then Kisnorbo's team have lost just once and are third on the ladder, just two points off leaders Central Coast.

In contrast, once-mighty Victory remain in last place but a drought-breaking win over Newcastle last time out has given Brebner's team hope of climbing above the Jets if they can get a result against City.

While March's win was an emphatic statement on the marked difference in situation for either club, Kisnorbo dismissed any suggestion it would give his team an edge on Saturday.

"After the game what did it define? Nothing. It was three points," he said.

"What I was proud of, or more happy with, was the performance.

"I don't judge a game on the score. I judge the game on the way we perform and our application.

"It's a new game. It's a new week. It's so far long ago, we're preparing as best as we can, the way we want to and the way we need to prepare."

City have named Aiden O'Neill after his recovery from a long-term back injury, though Kisnorbo was circumspect on just how much action the Olyroo would get.

There's also a doubt over Andrew Nabbout after he was subbed off in the 1-1 draw with Sydney FC last Saturday with a tight hamstring, though the Socceroos winger has been named in City's squad.

Victory, chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since January last year, have Elvis Kamsoba back from suspension but Ryan Shotton (knee), Rudy Gestede (knee), Leigh Broxham (hamstring) and Marco Rojas (ankle) all remain sidelined.

In Saturday's other game, Western United host the league-leading Mariners at UTAS Stadium in Launceston for what will be the first A-League match in Tasmania in eight years.

Influential Italian playmaker Alessandro Diamanti is back after missing out on the 3-2 loss to Wellington last Sunday, though Olyroo Lachlan Wales has been ruled out for United with concussion.

The Mariners need a positive result to stay on top of the ladder having won just one of their past five matches with Adelaide United and City both breathing down their neck.

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