Desperation derby
City unfazed by injuries to key forwards
MELBOURNE City heads into the Christmas derby without a striker and on a loss but full of confidence as Warren Joyce’s quiet revolution gathers pace.
City’s 3-1 loss to Sydney FC on Friday hasn’t dented City’s edge, according to one of Joyce’s most loyal lieutenants — Osama Malik.
The midfield utility is one of the first picked by Joyce each week, missing only three matches this season — all due to suspension.
Malik has played under John van ’t Schip and Michael Valkanis before Joyce’s reign, and said the defining features of this City side were unity of purpose and hard work.
“At the moment we’ve got 11 guys willing to sacrifice themselves to the team. If you look at the performances this year, they’re a bit different to previous years,” he said.
“Teams in the past haven’t been known for their hard work and fighting spirit.
“That’s the main thing that’s changed from previous years to now.
“It’s a lot easier to play when you’ve got 11 guys all working towards the one goal.
“We work so hard for each other and we can go down to 10 men and still fight.”
That fight will need to be dialled up against Victory, which enters the derby on a high.
Kevin Muscat’s side took just their third win of the season on Sunday against Brisbane Roar and are desperate for a win over a top side to cement a renewal in fortune.
But Joyce will need to improvise up front. A fortnight ago, City had two top-class forward options — Tim Cahill and Ross McCormack — but against Victory on Saturday, they’ll have none.
Cahill’s unfortunately timed exit — ironically, in search of more game time — and McCormack’s knee injury leaves the cabinet bare.
Malik said the timing of McCormack’s injury was “a massive blow”.
“He’s our top goalscorer and always a threat. He’s a massive part of our team and hopefully it’s not serious,” he said.
After seeing 18-year-old Nathaniel Atkinson debut against Central Coast this month to acclaim, Malik backed another of City’s young brigade to make a name for themselves in the derby.
“We’ve got Daniel Arzani who is going to be a phenomenal player and Braedyn Crowley who’s shaping along really well. Both of them could come in and do a really good job for us,” Malik said.
“A lot of players through the years have made their debuts in big games and they’ve had good careers. There’s no reason why one of these young guys can’t come in and do the same thing.”