The last time these two sides met there was plenty of controversy.
Back in Week 3, the Fury managed to shake off the fact they had ten men for most of the contest to record a 2-2 draw despite being reduced to nine in the final minutes.
Victory skipper Kevin Muscat and Fury defender Eric Akoto were involved in an ugly incident in one of the most talked about matches of the season which has gained a touch of exposure this week with Fury coach Franz Straka throwing a few cheeky jibes at the Victory.
There could be some fire and brimstones in this one but the likelihood is that both sides have learnt their lessons and will be on their best behaviour.
Form-wise, the home side are struggling with two losses and a draw in their three matches before last week's bye and have slumped to 8th on the table after a bright start.
The Victory had a tough midweek encounter with the Wellington Phoenix which ended in a scoreless draw which followed on from their 3-0 win over the previously undefeated Brisbane Roar.
This one is a very line-ball contest but I feel the Victory have the equipment to sneak a narrow in through here.
Verdict: Victory 1-0
North Queensland Fury vs. Melbourne VictoryDate: Saturday 18 September 2010 Venue: Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville Local kick-off: 5:15pm Head-to-Head: All matches (played 4): North Queensland Fury wins 1, Melbourne Victory wins 2 (1 draw) Referee: Chris Beath
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 3 and FS 3HD. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is Zinc 100.7 (Townsville).To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
North Queensland Fury squad: 1. Justin PASFIELD (gk), 2. Jack HINGERT, 3. Brad McDONALD, 4. Eric AKOTO, 5. Mark HUGHES, 6. Ufuk TALAY (c), 7. Gareth EDDS, 8. Adam CASEY, 9. Eugene SSEPPUYA, 11. David WILLIAMS, 12. Panagiotis NIKAS, 14. Chris GROSSMAN, 16. Simon STOREY, 17. Osama MALIK, 18. Brett STUDMAN, 21. Jason SPAGNUOLO, 28. Sebastian USAI (gk) * two to be omitted* In:Sebastian Usai (gk) (short term loan signing) Out: Dyron Daal (hamstring - 1 week), Chris Payne (National Team Duty), Isaka Cernak (National Team Duty) Unavailable: Andre KILIAN (foot injury, 1-2 weeks), Matthew HAM (knee - 4 weeks)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.RICARDINHO, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 23.Adrian LEIJER (c), 24. Luke PILKINGTON, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY In: Luke PILKINGTON (promoted) Out: Mate DUGANDZIC (National Team Duty), Diogo FERREIRA (National Team Duty), Matthew FOSCHINI (National Team Duty) Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee), Matthew KEMP (knee), Kevin MUSCAT (foot 4 - 6 weeks), Robbie KRUSE (calf 1 - 2 weeks)
