No one could have predicted Sydney FC’s phenomenal 7-1 win last weekend, with Alessandro Del Piero finally showing his experience, clinching four goals.
That, along with a more than ferocious home crowd is going to make the Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC match unforgettable.
Already the public tickets for the match have sold out (the last ticket got snatched up on Thursday).
Melbourne Victory will be coming into the match on a high after beating the top team, Central Coast Mariners last week. They’re just five points away from the ladder leaders.
The Australia Day showdown isn’t just about playing soccer on Australia day, but the annual U-NITE match features a range of Australia Day themed events.
The football community also embraces multiculturalism with a Citizenship Ceremony just before the match, welcoming 55 new Australians at AAMI Park.
Australian singer Silvie Paladino will also sing the national anthem ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season.
Those who have secured tickets will also be able to watch a curtain raiser match between Victoria’s best young multicultural talent, as the Unite FC team take on the Victorian Champions League (VCL) All-Stars, with kick-off taking place just after gates open at AAMI Park at 4pm.
For the teams, this match will indicate if Sydney can finally get into the running for a top place, while its time for Victory to redeem itself for some embarrassing losses.
Consistency has been a problem the Sky Blues have struggled with for much of the season and coach Frank Farina will need to get his players feet back on the ground quickly to ensure they can reproduce last week’s momentum.
Sydney FC stars Joel Griffiths and Rhyan Grant are in doubt to play tonight, as the players both are still suffering with injuries.
Victory has had to deal with the loss of a third player, as midfielder Isaka Cernak has departed the team and joined Wellington Phoenix.
There is hope for Victory, however, as it is one week in from signing Jesse Makarounas, Scott Galloway and Franceso Stella. The young stars might get the chance to play and be introduced to the home crowd.
Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
Saturday, January 26 at AAMI Park
Kick-off: 5:30 pm
LIVE and exclusive on FoxSports 1 and ABC Local Radio: 774AM
