The A-League is back in business and the third game on our Round 1 slate is arguably the juiciest, with Melbourne Victory hosting neighbours Melbourne Heart in what should be a fiery Melbourne derby. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEDT.
It was a disastrous 2012/13 campaign for the Heart, with only a superior goal difference sparing them the embarrassment of a wooden spoon, as Wellington Phoenix took that dubious honour.
The Victory, on the other hand, finished a respectable third, before being bundled out by eventual champions the Central Coast Mariners.
Despite the gulf in class between the two teams last year, the three matches between the two were split 2-1 to the Victory, and the teams now splitting a dead even 3-3-3 record over nine matches.
Harry Kewell makes his debut for the Heart and having played for the Victory in 2011 and 2012, I expect a ferocious reception from the fan base in navy blue.
This season is surely John Aloisi’s last as manager if the Heart don’t at least squeak into the six, and they could get off to a cracking start with a win over their arch-rivals.
Join us at 7.00pm AEDT for all the news and formations, for a 7.45pm AEDT kick off.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Why?
Paulo
Guest
I won't accept that as an excuse, they had pre-session fixtures to shake off the cobwebs. As an MV fan, I was most disappointed with last night's outcome. In the Fox post-game show it was mentioned that MV has only ever won one Rd 1 fixture in their history - I do believe this was in August 2006 against Adelaide United. It's as if a Rd 1 hoodoo has descended on the club.
Paulo
Guest
Reckon Contreras will have some attention from the MRP?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Tom Jones You started following A-League last year after coming on The Roar, with a Euro-snob attitude of "I only watch EPL". Your input on A-League is just slightly more relevant than EggBall fans.
NUFCMVFC
Roar Guru
Yeah early days yet but I was very impressed, certainly looks like a very good signing, as his class and assured ess will permeate the rest of the defence All this despite the fact he's "not a big name" and all of that Was certainly motm for me, hopefully that stray arm doesen't come back to bite though,
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Clear cut non-intentional, no referee worth their salt would have ever called it.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
First half was entertaining, second half I had my head in my hands, simply diabolical second half, especially after Kewell went off. Pain-Hoffman duel great to watch.
Titus
Guest
I feel better about Sydney's performance now, no real threats as yet.
Tom jones
Guest
Best central defender ever in the A-League........ Comment of the Week I know you believe what you write but I'm not one of the fools you take everyone for. Take off your MV goggles
Crank Yanker
Guest
What are you talking about? The Broncos v Cowboys games at Suncorp frequently draw 45,000+ crowds. What about Roosters v Rabbitohs in Round 26? 65,000+ there. I hope you enjoyed your 0-0 result.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Not a bad 1st half by the lads, very poor 2nd half. Positives: we didn't concede a goal, which was rare last season. Pablo Contreras, in particular, was outstanding a class above any Central Defender I've seen in 8yrs watching A-League. His touch, his reading of the play, his positioning & use of the body & even his willingness to intelligently move forward is something we've not yet had in the A-League - last year he was playing UCL against Arsenal & this year I get to watch him in the stadium every fortnight. Negatives: poor decision for the final ball into the box & poor movement of players into dangerous spots. Also, some sloppy passing in the 2nd half. Heart had some good moments - usually after MVFC gave the ball away cheaply in midfield with a sloppy pass - and Harry was very sharp. No meaningful conclusions to be drawn about either of these teams - good or bad - from 1 match in 27 match season.
Tom Jones
Guest
Pablo fits in well with Victory. International marquee coathangers the opposition and should get suspended from his first game.
Tom Jones
Guest
You must have missed the CCM and Wanderers game
stu
Guest
Absolute rubbish. I recall Bozza stating last season during the first darby that 'this is when the season should begin', don't think so and tonight backs up that the leagues glamour games need to start into the season not at the opening. Really disappointed with he level of play and overall so far can't work out the level of injuries that have impacted on some of the teams. Perhaps the pre-season needs to be taken more seriously or indeed the FFA Cup may prepare players better for the start of the league. Or here is an idea, bite the bullet and start the season earlier.
Dave
Guest
Rustiness has ruled the weekend so far!
jamesb
Guest
that was a terribly dull match. maybe it has something to do with the long off season. Perhaps schedule the FFA Cup, before the A-league season.
justvisiting
Guest
Not a great game, poor final third for both teams.
JR Salazar
Guest
After this performance, I don't think Ange will get the job. Give it to Arnie if you must go local, Frank.
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
Well, not the greatest spectacle but a fantastic crowd and probably a fair result in the end. The Heart had bursts of dominance in between the longer periods were the Victory controlled the ball, but didn't do a lot with it. Difficult to tell what's in store for these two teams after this first game. Harry Kewell was great in his debut, amongst others. Speaking of debutants, Contreras may have a case to answer after a forearm off the ball wasn't seen by referee Peter Green. After 10 derbies it's now three wins apiece, with four draws. And much more importantly, Sydney are outright first! At least until tomorrow. Thanks for following along, be sure to hit me up on twitter at @TheMattBungard
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
FULL TIME MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 MELBOURNE HEART 0