The temperature is set to soar on and off the field at AAMI Park, and Melbourne Victory head coach Arthur Diles cannot wait.
Victory will go head-to-head with Isuzu UTE A-League rivals Melbourne City on Saturday, with a maximum temperature of 37 degrees forecast.
BUY TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
It is set to be a fiery showdown in Melbourne, where only a point separates third-placed Victory and fourth-placed City heading into Round 20.
“It will be hot, even if the weather wasn’t, it will be hot that’s for sure,” Diles told reporters on the eve of the Melbourne Derby.
“On that pitch, come the derby, the temperature rises that’s for sure, especially with our fans.
“We hope they fill the place because with them in this stadium and when it’s full, there’s no better atmosphere in Australia.
“It’s a big one. It will be hot and we are expecting the temperature to rise come kick-off.”
PREVIEW:Â What you need to know for Round 20 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
Victory are coming off a 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix in Round 19, while they have won three of their past four fixtures to surge back up the standings.
Diles, though, wants more from his attack, which features Greek import Nikos Vergos, Socceroo Nishan Velupillay, Bruno Fornaroli, Daniel Arzani and Santos.
Of the top eight teams in the A-Leagues this season, only City have scored fewer goals than Victory so far in 2024-25.
‘THE CALIBRE IS SURPRISING’: Socceroo’s DMs could unlock the next wave in 10-player influx
“I hope they’re more than hungry, I hope they’re starving because we need more goals,” Diles said when asked of his forward line was hungry.
“I think they’ve been hungry but maybe not hungry enough.
“We create a lot of chances. Not everyone can finish their chances always but if we can be a bit more clinical, this team can keep moving forward.
“That’s an integral part of our team and how we play.”
BUY TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
