The Melbourne Derby has rapidly caught the hearts and minds of the Australian football public.
Tonight’s 12th edition of the derby is arguably the most anticipated of all with the Melbourne Heart coming into the match with 16 points out of the last 18.
Melbourne Victory will be looking to get back to winning ways after their midweek Champions League defeat as the race for the top two heats up.
This time two months ago it would be hard to pick a Heart player that could make it into a Victory line-up but now it could not be further from that.
In homage to tonight’s match here is a look at the combined Melbourne XI.
Goalkeeper – Nathan Coe (Victory)
Clean sheets have been hard to come by for both clubs however Socceroo Nathan Coe has still shown his class at many integral moments this season.
Left back – Adama Traore (Victory)
The Ivorian wing back has been in the spotlight as of late for his potential to earn a call up for the Socceroos.
While that has fallen through, his club form has been immense with Traore an important part of the Victory’s defence and attack.
Centre back – Mark Milligan (Victory)
You begin to understand how important a player is to a team when you see them without him.
That is the case of the Victory and their captain Mark Milligan.
The experienced Socceroo has been on the lips of many clubs in Europe and Asia after showing his immense talent in the Victory’s defensive structure.
While he is usually deployed these days as a holding midfielder, he is more than capable of filling in at centre back.
Centre back – Patrick Kisnorbo (Heart)
The former Leeds United defender has gone from strength to strength this season and is one of the main contributors to the Heart’s recent run of form.
His last gasp tackle on Besart Berisha last week is a sign that the 32-year-old is high on confidence and capable of adding to his 18 caps for the Socceroos.
Right back – Aziz Behich (Heart)
On loan from Turkish club, Bursaspor, Aziz Behich has dominated the Hearts flanks with creative link up play with his midfield and strikers.
His pace and energy is often hard to contain and while his defensive technique is not the best in the league, at the age of 23 he still has plenty of time to improve.
Left midfield – Massimo Murdocca (Heart)
The pint sized midfielder has adored himself to the Heart supporters with his monstrous work ethic.
While he is not the most gifted of players, his energy in attack to make himself an option for his team mates is incredible, his ability to close down players in defence is also top class.
Centre midfield – Leigh Broxham (Victory)
So the Victory vice captain may not be the most charming footballer in the A-League but he does play an important role in the set up of the Victory team.
Similar to Massimo Murdocca, Broxham has a high work ethic that compliments his more the credible ball processing skills that has made him a mainstay at the club despite many changes in manager over the last few seasons.
Right midfield – Guiherme Finkler (Victory)
The 28-year-old Brazilian has slowly but surely returned from a nasty ACL injury that kept him out for a long period that saw the Victory at times struggle to create clear cut scoring opportunities.
In his return to fitness, “Gui” has often lit up his sides attacking threat as well as chipping in with some crucial goals.
Left wing – David Williams (Heart)
Being one of the highest goal scorers in the league, David Williams seems to be the man that could fire the Heart from rock bottom to finals fever.
The former North Queensland Fury striker has nine goals to his name including a number of notable match winners that have allowed his side to have a sniff of finals football.
Centre forward – James Troisi (Victory)
The 25-year-old Socceroo is on loan from Serie A outfit, Atlanta, and he has been in cracking form with nine goals so far this season.
Troisi was first brought to the club under now Socceroo manager, Ange Postecoglou, the man he will hope to impress to get on the plane to Brazil this winter.
Troisi could be called a “false 9” in the Victory’s set up as he is often seen as much of a ball player as he is a goal scorer.
Right wing – Mate Dugandzic (Heart)
It took a while for the former Victory winger to find his feet this campaign but since bagging a brace against the Newcastle Jets, the 24-year-old has been in fine goal scoring and supplying former down the flank.
The Bench
Andrew Redmayne, goalkeeper (Heart)
While he has slowly improved, Redmayne still tends to struggle under pressure from the opposition.
Robert Wielaert, defender (Heart)
35-year-old Wielaert has already stood in as captain for his new club and has looked assured, especially when paired with Kisnorbo.
Orlando Engelaar, midfield (Heart)
If this derby was another fortnight away, this 6ft 6 Dutchman would be a feature in this sides starting eleven.
Harry Kewell, midfield (Heart)
Came back from injury with a bang that has had people trumpeting his chances of making the World Cup, niggling injuries have held him back in recent weeks.
Archie Thompson
The league’s second highest goalscorer ever has been a huge part of his clubs success and will hope that age does not curb his high tempo game too quickly.
Dominance of Victory players in the run on side but more Heart players overall could ruffle some feathers. Leave your thoughts!
I strongly encourage you to get yourself in front of the TV for the derby tonight. It kicks off at 7.45 tonight and it promises to be a cracker!
Follow me on Twitter @dylaneloi
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