Ninja A-League Champion Annabel Martin believes Melbourne Victory can achieve Derby success against rivals Melbourne City this weekend, if they target one specific area.
Both sides head into the Derby this weekend having secured vital wins in Round 16, with Victory defeating Newcastle Jets while City came from behind to beat Brisbane Roar.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
Whilst Victory’s win over the Jets was sealed with an 82nd minute winner, City were forced to come from 2-0 down against an in-form Brisbane side after two early errors at the back saw them fall behind.
According to Central Coast Mariners defender and reigning Ninja A-League Champion Martin, the nature of those errors is something Victory should be looking to target this weekend, especially given the Mariners had joy doing exactly that last season.
Game-by-Game Preview: What you need to know for Round 17 of the Ninja A-League
“I think it’s definitely something they’ll look at,” said Martin on this week’s episode of Dub Zone.
“I know it’s something last year we definitely looked at. I think Razzy (former Mariners striker Annalise Rasmussen) actually scored against them in a similar manner where we were able to press high up.
“I think it may be a bit of a different midfield in here now – it used to be Hughes and Davidson, but obviously both them out with knee injuries, maybe the timing and the chemistry is a little bit off, and I think you really need it to be on if you’re going to play that ball.
“So obviously that’s a bit of a factor for them.”
A-Leagues commentator and Dub Zone pundit Teo Pellizzeri added: “It’s almost like City have gone back to last year.
BIG NEWS: A-Leagues host fourth Pride Celebration
“You know, it doesn’t matter if we concede goals, and even if they’re self inflicted, we will outscore teams in the other direction, which was really the narrative of all season.
“Last year, they trailed nine times, came back to avoid defeat in all of them in the Home and Away season…”
