A-League: Jamie Maclaren lights derby fuse

Jamie Maclaren has lit the fuse for an explosive Melbourne derby.

Jamie Maclaren, left, and Jakob Poulsen face off ahead of the Melbourne derby

Jamie Maclaren has lit the fuse for an explosive derby, vowing to wind up Melbourne Victory fans if he finds the net for Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday.

The Socceroos’ striker has broken the A-League scoring record this season as the fastest player to reach double figures, achieving the feat in just six starts.

He and Sydney FC’s Adam Le Fondre lead the scoring chart with 10 goals apiece.

The 26-year-old Maclaren, who joined City in January after a stint in Europe, is already on track to fulfil his stated ambition of becoming a club legend, with a total of 15 goals in as many A-League appearances.

He enters Saturday night’s 30th meeting between City and Victory acutely aware that more derby goals will significantly help his cause.

“That’s a big reason why I came back to Melbourne City and playing in a Melbourne derby last (season) was a great experience,” Maclaren said. “I scored a penalty and (was) able to celebrate in front of where they had more fans.

“You can celebrate in front of them and have a bit of banter with them. That’s what football’s about and that’s what derbies are about.”

Maclaren was on the scoresheet again last week as second-placed City put four past hapless Newcastle to stay within sight of league leaders Sydney FC.

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They will start favourites over fierce rivals Victory, who are under extreme pressure to kickstart a stuttering campaign under German boss Marco Kurz.

“You can’t look at the ladder because it’s a derby match,” Maclaren said. “We’re not going to go into the match, thinking Victory won’t be up for it, because they will.

“They’re a side that’s got enough experience to get them through this game and we need to be on our game.

“When we played against Perth Glory two weeks ago, we felt as if we’d probably rock up and things would happen.

“But you’ve got to earn the right and, in derbies especially, you have to earn the right.” Victory’s Jakob Poulsen said shutting Maclaren out of the match would be a key focus for his side.

“It’s going to be difficult, of course, and he’s been unbelievably dangerous,” the Danish midfielder said.

“He doesn’t need many chances to score his goals, so that’s very good for them. But we have looked at him and know what he’s good at.

“We’re trying to close him down and make sure that he doesn’t have a good afternoon at AAMI Park.”

AAP