There’s always something extra when Adelaide United takes on Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League.
The two clubs have been involved in some epic clashes in the past. Think Archie’s five goals in the 2007 Grand Final drubbing, Pondeljak’s winner in the decider two years later, or Kossie grabbing Muscat by the throat.
Both sides love nothing better than getting one over their interstate rivals.
It is, after all, the #OriginalRivalry
But Saturday night at AAMI Park provides a huge opportunity for Marco Kurz’s Reds.
Adelaide are currently fourth on the Hyundai A-League ladder, one place and three points ahead of Muscat’s Victory.
If the Reds can take all three points back to the City of Churches with them, it would give them a healthy bit of breathing space in the chase for a top-four berth.
And you wouldn’t bet against Adelaide getting the job done, especially given Melbourne Victory’ recent run of form.
Kevin Muscat’s troops have lost their last three games in the Hyundai A-League, while they also suffered a demoralising 4-1 loss against Shanghai SIPG in the ACL this week.
Victory are hurting and this is Adelaide’s chance to ram home their advantage.
Adelaide have won two and drawn one of three meetings with the Victory this season [including the Westfield FFA Cup] and another win in Melbourne would provide a psychological edge if they were to meet in the Finals Series.
While well-aware of the opportunity in front of his team, Reds boss Marco Kurz is expecting Victory to come out breathing fire on Saturday night.
“I think Victory is a very strong team and it’s a derby,” he said.
“I expect the best line-up they can put on the field. I think the fitness of Victory is good enough to play two games in a week because it’s normal, they are professional players.
“They will do everything to win the game just as we will do everything to win the game.
“They lost two times against us and also there was one draw, and it’s also important for them to get points to make the finals.”
With so much at stake, get set for another cracking edition of Victory v Adelaide!
