[close]

With contacts from around the world, Racing and Sports provides something no other website can - information and form prior to a race with news and views after a race. This is both written, audio and visual. As a result, our appeal is unmatched.

As the most sought after tool for your international racing and punting needs, Racing and Sports has dedicated coverage in various sections to help you navigate the global sport.

We have Singapore/Malaysia, UK/Ireland/Europe, Hong Kong/Macau, South Africa, Japan, USA plus other international jurisdictions.

Stick with Racing and Sports for everything you need to know in the racing game.

Sports - Football

Velupillay eyes derby impact as Victory regain confidence

Nishan Velupillay says he is hitting form at the right time as Melbourne Victory prepare for a derby clash with Melbourne City.

Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory attacker Nishan Velupillay says he is ready to meet the moment as the club prepares for Saturday night's derby against Melbourne City, with the Socceroo returning to form after a frustrating injury absence.

Velupillay missed the opening five rounds of the A-League Men season with a hamstring injury before easing back via substitute appearances in a 1 to 0 loss to Brisbane Roar and a 0 to 0 draw with Macarthur FC.

His first start of the campaign last weekend proved a turning point. Victory defeated Adelaide United to claim their first win since late October, snapping a poor run that had left them anchored near the foot of the table.

Playing alongside Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, Velupillay was a constant outlet during his 66 minutes on the pitch, stretching Adelaide's defence and providing a spark Victory had lacked in recent weeks.

With match fitness returning, Velupillay said he felt increasingly sharp and was eager to test himself in the derby atmosphere at AAMI Park.

He also welcomed the chance to build a stronger on-field understanding with Mata, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Adelaide and continues to influence Victory's attacking play despite limited time training with his teammates.

Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich acknowledged the threat posed by Velupillay and Mata, but said City's focus would remain on executing their own game plan.

City enter the derby having won 2 to 0 when the sides met early last month, a match neither Velupillay nor Behich featured in. Behich returns from injury this weekend, while City will also welcome Andrew Nabbout back from concussion.

Victory, meanwhile, expect midfielder Denis Genreau to make his return from a two-match suspension off the bench.


Racing and Sports
Check out our FREE Interactive Speed Maps for meetings in nine countries each and every day.