Stalemates are part of the Melbourne Victory Sydney FC history.
Back in the 2010 grand final, where the two met, the match had to be decided in penalties after a 1-1 score.
Five years later, and not much has changed. So far this season, draws are where it’s stayed. A one 0-0 stalemate and two 3-3 draws between them has many wondering if 90 minutes will be enough to decide a winner.
The season has showed some signs of who might come out on top. Victory rightfully snatched the Premier’s Plate, but had to wait till the very last minute to know that they had done enough. Sydney FC was threatening them till the end.
Both are on four match winning streaks, and both have seen similar revivals under new coaches.
Victory midfielder Carl Valeri has predicted Sunday’s match won’t be won with tried and tested tactics, but by the player battles.
“It’s the team that’s willing to work the hardest, the team with the most desire normally gets you through it,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter what you do tactically or any strategies, it’s just down to battles.”
Sydney FC’s coach Graham Arnold has transformed the Sky Blues this season, molding a team worthy of standing on its own without Italian giant Alessandro Del Piero.
Kevin Muscat has done the same but at a more measured pace, taking over from Socceroos coach Ange Postecogou.
In typical Arnold fashion, he’s been vocal in the media this week, hoping to psych out Muscat before the big day.
Showing modesty isn’t his forte. He’s been touting Sydney FC as the grand final winners for some time and was at it again this week.
“We’ve sent a message that I’ve been saying since January that we’re the best team in the league,” Arnold said.
“Since the Asian Cup that’s 41 goals in 16 games. We’re getting better and better.”
Muscat on the other hand has been trying to keep a tight lip on proceedings, hoping that by brushing off the comments and sticking to a strong state of mind will rub off on his players.
He’s desperate to keep the players in line, hoping the fact that they are favourites to win won’t sway their preparation.
“You can’t try to convince people that it’s just another game, it’s simply not,” Muscat said.
“Last week, the fact it was Melbourne City … that lead up seemed like a grand final.
“It’s going to be an unbelievable night and one we’ve prepared for.”
He knows that the likes of Besart Berisha, Kostas Barbarouses and Archie Thompson will be Sydney FC’s first point of call in disarming Victory.
Berisha has been integral in earning Victory’s phenomenal run this season, and all eyes will be on him to bring the silverware to the Navy Blues.
Melbourne Victory take on Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Sunday May 17, kick off at 4:00pm.