There is no arguing that the rivalry between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory is one of the biggest and most heated in the Hyundai A-League.
The atmosphere is always ablaze as the players battle in front of packed stadiums and passionate fans.
Jimmy Jeggo is a player who has been in both dressing rooms and says that the atmosphere in and around this game is always something the players particularly look forward to.
“When the fixtures come out at the beginning of the season, it’s the game that you look for straight away,” he said.
“There’s that little bit extra in this match, the atmosphere it brings and the quality of the players, you just know it’s going to be a special occasion.”
Interesting it will be indeed, especially considering the league position of both teams, with just a point separating the two teams as the normal season begins wrapping up.
Jeggo believes that they key to a good result against the Victory will be a focus on Adelaide’s own football amidst any potential distractions such as lost tempers or uproars from the touchline.
“I think it’s really about being sensible about what we do and play out the back well and I think the rest of the park will take care of itself.
“So there’s a lot of onus on us to take control and play how we like to play because they’re a team who like to break on the counter, so if we apply the basics we should be able to get the desired result.”
Jeggo noted that the Reds were lacking in the previous two games against the Victory this season, and attributed this to a lack of concentration across the full 90 minutes of the match.
“Looking back at our previous games this season, in the first we were unlucky to lose but we did play with three at the back. In the second game we struggled at the start so I think we need to put in our style of performance over the entire match,” the 23-year-old said.
Jeggo highlighted just how important this game will be for the Reds coming into the finals.
“Whoever takes the three points is going to have a real jump on the table and the rivalry does add to the match.
“It has the whole package – there’s a lot of good, individual players on the pitch and both back fours are going to have their hands full so it should be a fascinating match for the neutral.”
Adelaide United host arch rivals Melbourne Victory in Round 22 of the Hyundai 2014/15 A-League season on Saturday, 21 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick off at 7.00pm ACDT. To purchase tickets, click here.
