Melbourne Victory may be well off the electrifying pace set by Sydney FC this season but Steve Corica insists ‘there’s just something special about the Big Blue and this one won’t change’.
The Sky Blues head coach is a veteran of the clashes between the Hyundai A-League’s two most successful clubs and the old rivals meet in unfamiliar circumstances at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The runaway Hyundai A-League leaders have more than double the points total of ‘Big V’ in 2019/20 and can open up a 16-point lead at the top of the ladder with a triumph on enemy territory.
But the chance to put another dent in Sydney’s FC armour is all the motivation that the underperforming Navy Blue outfit need and Corica expects Victory will raise their game for an encounter with their bitter adversaries.
“I love ‘em,” Corica said with a smile.
“When I was a player this was a massive derby for us. The Wanderers have come along and made that interesting as well now.
“This is a good game. Normally in front of a very good crowd, they all turn up for this massive game.”
“There’s just something special about the Big Blue and this one won’t change.”
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https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6105069808001
“We want to win, they need to win points as well because they want to make the top six.
“We want to stay at the top and win by further points so it’s an interesting game.”
Corica insists he has no concerns about Sydney’s recent form, having claimed only one win in four matches in all competitions, and he welcomes Paulo Retre back to his Hyundai A-League squad after suspension.
Milos Ninkovic sat out the midweek Champions League draw against Korea Republic side Jeonbuk Motors, while Kosta Barbarouses only played 13 minutes on Wednesday night as the Sky Blues coach nears having a full squad available.
The last remaining players on the injury list – Michael Zullo, Chris Zuvela and Luke Ivanovic – are all back in training and could be available next week, but Corica is not taking his eye off a dangerous Melbourne Victory side that will be buoyed by claiming their first win in seven league matches under Carlos Salvachua in Round 22.
“They are a good team, they’ve got a very good strike force,” Corica added.
“They got a good win last week and their confidence will be very high now leading into this game.
“Our approach is the same. We’re aware of the opposition but it’s all about us…
“If we go into the game with a high intensity and do our job correctly, then the result takes care of itself.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6126179796001
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Adelaide United v Western United
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Round 23
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 15 March
Sky Stadium
Kick off: 6.20pm local, 4.20pm AEDT
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Saturday, 14 March
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Kick off: 5pm AEDT
