Lachlan Avil 
For the first time in his career, Patrick Kisnorbo will experience a Melbourne derby on the navy blue side of town, but it’s a factor that Aurelio Vidmar says hasn’t been the focus of any conversation within the club in the lead up to Saturday night’s blockbuster clash.
Vidmar did note that both teams will likely be very familiar with the way in which each team will attempt to play but hopes it doesn’t get in the way of an entertaining game.
“He’s crossed the border now, so good luck to PK. He’s an excellent coach, he’s done tremendous things here at City, had a lot of success, brought up a lot of young players,” he said.
“He had a difficult time obviously in Troyes, but I’m sure he would have learned a hell of a lot from that experience.
“Now he’s at Victory, [it] might feel a little bit strange for him, but this is football, it’s people coming and going all the time, whether it’s coaches whether it’s players, so that’s all just part of the game.”
“He has a particular way, he knows our style, which is fine. I don’t think he’s changing too much from what he knows.
“Hopefully it’s not too much of a chess game, that’d be pretty boring, but in saying that, it’s a derby for God’s sake, so everyone will be itching to get out there and really having a crack.”
Mathew Leckie is one that experienced success whilst playing under Kisnorbo during his time managing City, saying that his appointment at the Victory will elevate the status of the game.
“It just adds more fuel to the derby I think, I had two good years with PK … he made a big part of the success in Melbourne City,” said Leckie.
“Knowing him as a coach and how he prepared us, we know that Victory is going to come out firing, really intense and aggressive so, should match the derby perfectly.
“I think as fans they always feel betrayed or hurt in a sense, that’s just how it is with derbies and teams coming from the same city.
“I’ve seen it a number of times when players or coaches go to the enemy territory and at first they’re a bit weary or they’re not happy about it.
“PK in the A-League has done really well with City and I’m sure he’ll bring Victory to a high standard, and they’ll be a very good side this season, and then that’ll win over the fans.
“I wish him success for the season, but not for this Saturday.”
Whilst Leckie is back in the matchday squad, he looks unlikely to make a significant contribution, with Vidmar admitting that he’d like to see him have an extra week as a matter of fitness, with the injury now behind him.
Vidmar was tight lipped about how he would adapt his midfield to cope with the suspension of James Jeggo for an ill-disciplined stamp on Eli Adams in City’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle Jets.
However, he did confirm that traditional right back, Nathaniel Atkinson would hold his place in the midfield after a good performance in round one.
One player that could be a difference maker is Marco Tilio. A player that’s had a rough run of injuries, who Vidmar hopes has a big season ahead of him.
“[Tilio is] in really, really good shape, really happy and confident… It was really pleasing for him also to score the goal last week, and I think Tils, he’ll just get better,” Vidmar said.
“In my opinion, he’s probably the best dribbler, one on one in the competition, when he starts running at you, it can be frightening if you’re a defender.”