City keen to inflict ALM derby pain on Victory

The defeats came amid a tight schedule of three games in eight days, sitting either side of an Asian Champions League 2 win over FC Seoul.

Saturday night's derby at AAMI Park offers City the chance to inflict another heavy blow on their neighbours.

"It's a game that we're coming out and expecting to win, so if that happens as a result, then it's great," City defender Harrison Delbridge said.

"We know how important it is to our supporters, it's obviously important to the club, and I think it's important to the league as well for us to put on a good performance.

"There's always a bit extra in the game and it's one that people want to watch."

City also lost their opening league clash last weekend - away to champions Auckland FC - and are desperate to bounce back.

"There were a few individual errors but I think we controlled large parts of that game," Delbridge said.

"Especially away from home at a place like that - it's a big trip and not an easy place to go and play.

"I think the boys showed a lot of personality and we were playing the football that we want to be playing.

"Tighten up a few loose ends and I think we'll be going the right way."

ALM officials defended their decision to schedule the Sydney derby in round one, following criticism that rustiness was always going to be a problem in the marquee fixture.

Wanderers boss Ufuk Talay was particularly vocal in his opposition to the schedule after his side and Sydney FC fought out a scrappy 0-0 draw.

Sky Blues coach Patrick Kisnorbo conceded it wasn't "the prettiest game of football".

But Delbridge has no major concerns over playing an early-season Melbourne derby in round two.

"I hear what teams are saying about a derby in round one. It can be a bit scrappy," Delbridge said.

"But at the same time we want to always play our football, whether it's round one or later on in the season.

"Things will iron out and teams will start to find their feet a little bit more, but for us we're ready to go."