The final spot in the A-League Women's 2021-22 Grand Final is up for grabs in the Melbourne Derby, with Victory looking to make it back-to-back appearances in the grand final.
Victory and City will go to battle this afternoon to see who will take on premiers Sydney FC next weekend in the A-League Women's Grand Final.
Melbourne City goes into this clash after Sydney FC defeated them in extra time 4-2 to book a spot in their fifth consecutive Grand Final, Kiwi international was first to score in their last encounter, giving City a 2-0 lead, however, Sydney came from behind to claim the first spot in the Grand Final.
Victory defeated finals debutants Adelaide United 2-1 to book their place in the preliminary final. Kyra Cooney-Cross missed Victory's win over the Reds due to a suspension after seeing her fifth yellow card in Victory's 0-0 draw with Canberra United.
Courtney Nevin started for Jeff Hopkins' side in their win last weekend and will be vital to Victory booking their place in next weekend's Grand Final.
City will be without two regular faces in defence with Melissa Barbieri and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic receiving red cards in City's loss to Sydney FC, and thus will miss this do or die game against Victory.
The two sides faces one another twice in the regular season, Victory winning the first encounter 2-1, however, City showed their class to win the second meeting between the two sides 5-1.
A number of season-ending injuries on both sides have seen a switch-up in personnel since the opening games. Victory captain Kayla Morrison suffered an ACL injury, while City's young forward Holly McNamara also suffered an ACL tear just weeks out from the finals series.
City comes into the game after having to go to extra-time against Sydney FC last weekend, while Victory was able to find the win in regular time so could be the fresher of the two sides.
Barbieri's suspension will mean Sally James will be in line for her first start of the season, coming off the bench in two games this season.
Sydney FC will be watching on with a watchful eye to see which side they will face in the finals.