<p>The headline fixture of A-League Round 9 takes centre stage this weekend as arch-rivals<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/melbourne-city-v-melbourne-victory-9946643"> Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City collide</a> in the Melbourne Derby.</p> <p>Victory enters the clash with renewed confidence after securing a much-needed win in their last outing, while City returns to domestic duties after an impressive run in the Asian Champions League.</p> <p>Can Victory build on their momentum, or will City’s superior class shine through now that their continental distractions are on pause?</p> <p>Let’s find out! For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of the Melbourne Derby, check out our Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City Preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Win-Draw-Win Prediction</h3> <p>The Melbourne Derby is undoubtedly the headline fixture of Round 9, and it’s not hard to see why.</p> <p>Victory finally picked up another win last start, a result that breathed life into their campaign. The key to that success was Nikos Vergos breaking his scoring drought, giving the side a focal point in attack that had been missing.</p> <p>However, they now face a Melbourne City side that has impressively managed their squad through a gruelling Asian Champions League campaign.</p> <p>With a break in continental action until the New Year, City can now focus 100% on their A-League push. Expect them to come out firing and show their class in this derby. While Victory has shown signs of life, City’s quality should prove too much over 90 minutes.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/melbourne-city-v-melbourne-victory-9946643"> 2-1 Melbourne City.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goalscorer Prediction</h3> <p>While we expect City to take the three points, Victory’s attack has found a spark.</p> <p>Nikos Vergos finally broke his scoring drought, and strikers thrive on confidence. With the monkey off his back, the Greek forward will be eager to make his mark on the biggest stage of the regular season.</p> <p>We expect a fast start to the derby, and Vergos looks the most likely candidate to capitalise on early energy and open the scoring before City’s class takes over.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/melbourne-city-v-melbourne-victory-9946643"> Nikos Vergos.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under 2.5 Goals</h3> <p>Derbies are rarely dull affairs, and with City refocusing their efforts on the A-League, their attack is expected to click into gear immediately.</p> <p>City will come out firing, looking to assert dominance early. Combine that with a Victory side that has rediscovered its scoring touch, and this match has goals written all over it.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/melbourne-city-v-melbourne-victory-9946643"> Over 2.5 goals.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Both Teams to Score</h3> <p>Victory’s resurgence, although perhaps short-lived in terms of match results, suggests they have the tools to hurt City. Vergos is scoring again, and a derby atmosphere usually lifts home sides.</p> <p>However, keeping City out is a different challenge entirely. City’s class in the final third is undeniable, especially now that they are fresh from a break in travel. Expect both goalkeepers to be busy.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/melbourne-city-v-melbourne-victory-9946643"> Both teams to score – yes.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, December 20, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>7:35pm AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> AAMI Park, Melbourne.</p>