Football: Muscat promises torrid reception

Victory and Sydney drew three times during the regular season. Photo / Getty Images

Sydney FC might be heading into the A-League grand final without a loss on their travels this season but Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat says the Sky Blues haven't experienced anything like what's coming for them. Because no team has.

Ahead of tonight's A-League decider at AAMI Park, Muscat has moved on from the let-down of not playing at Etihad Stadium.

Victory have won both their championships at the Docklands venue, where Muscat's side are unbeaten in more than a year.

But the premiership coach sees only positives to playing at the Melbourne Park venue, saying the showpiece match will break new ground for the code.

"Initially there was a bit of disappointment because 25,000-odd fans won't be in the stadium," he said. "But the 30,000 in there will be treated to one unbelievable atmosphere, unprecedented in Australian sport."

Muscat would know what's coming. The 41-year-old has played in three grand finals, all hosted by Victory.

He said the gravity of the moment hits when Victory's signature tune is played as you walk out of the tunnel.

"Once we walk out and Stand by Me [plays and the crowd] are stood up, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You realise it's not just a normal game, it's a special occasion."

In the decider, both coaches have the chance to create A-League history. By the end of tonight, either Muscat will have become the first man to win the A-League as a player and coach, or Arnold will be the first to coach two clubs to the trophy.

The winning club will also join Brisbane Roar with a third A-League championship, the most of any club.

Victory and Sydney could not be split during the regular season, sharing two 3-3 draws in their last two matches.

A shared prize isn't possible tonight, when a penalty shootout will force a result after 120 minutes.

Arnold said previous meetings wouldn't count for much in the final but it did suggest fans of attacking football would enjoy what is coming.

"They're great going forward and we're the same. You've got to play to your strengths," he said. "We won't change anything. Melbourne Victory will probably do the same as it's what's made them successful."

Arnold was happy taunting his opposite from behind state lines, suggesting Victory would've hated playing at AAMI Park. In Melbourne, he struck a more conciliatory note.

"There's obviously some banter that goes on but it's the two best teams that are here. We've got to be at our best to beat them."

- AAP