With City’s capture of Socceroo legend Tim Cahill and their championship prospects, the unprecedented scrutiny was now on the club.

On the eve of the anticipated Melbourne derby at Etihad Stadium, Muscat found it hard to differentiate the hype between past encounters and said training rituals remained the same.

“I really struggle with comparisons if I’m honest because if it means a little bit more then we saved or held something back on the last one, so I really struggle with that,” Muscat said.

“I understand and I get it, no one needs to tell me what it means to our members and fans because I probably feel and share the same passion as them, but we’ll prepare.

“We haven’t done anything more or anything less than previous weeks and we’ll do exactly the same next week because ultimately as a group if we’re prepared better this week then the players have the right to ask ‘you’ve held back or haven’t given us everything in other weeks’ so our preparation has been great.

“Yes it means so much more to our fans and Monday morning walking back to work, but instead of meaning so much more, every week means so much to us and preparations have been no different.”

Nick Ansell and Rashid Mahazi come into contention while James Troisi is sidelined for a month after breaking his collarbone earlier in the week.

Winger Marco Rojas touched down back in Melbourne this morning after being on camp with New Zealand in North America.

After scoring against Mexico, the All Whites told Victory Rojas was in good health and Muscat was still giving time before deciding whether the Kiwi would start, but was adamant there would be no rash decisions made because of Troisi’s absence.

“We have to treat every situation in isolation, so if Marco isn’t right and we feel it’s a risk then regardless of who else is playing or not playing then we won’t take that risky and vice-versa,” he said.

“If he’s fine and we believe there is no risk then he’ll play him.”

While Muscat praised the Cahill influence, he was looking at the dangers the whole team possesses.

“I think enough has been said,” Muscat stated.

“Tim’s been great for our code and our country, but right here and now is the enemy so we’ll get the game out the way because he’s in certainly good enough condition at the moment, he’s going to be a threat without doubt.

“We’ve analysed that throughout the week, we’ve got some serious threats going forward as well and when teams turn the ball over or when we’re in comfortable possession.

“We’re going to want to threaten. It’ll be no different tomorrow and that’s why I think it’ll be a much more open game than last week.”