The highly anticipated Christmas Melbourne Derby is set to be played on Saturday and Sanchez says he is excited after playing just 14 minutes in the opening Victory-City clash this season.

Sanchez has played in many big clashes including Racing Club V Independiente and the La Plata Derby between Estudiantes and Gimnasia.

Earlier in the week, Victory legend Archie Thompson said the Melbourne Derby was lacking the fire it used to have when he played.

The Argentine said the fierce clashes he played in made him try harder to win for the fans.

“It’s amazing, the fans are very passionate, they’re always singing, have flags and there’s fire, it’s very crazy, so I look forward to Saturday,” Sanchez said on Thursday.

“It’s not scary. You feel the pressure, but when you get onto the pitch, you have to work and concentrate on the game.

“Yes (it would be good to see similar scenes). Here the Victory fans are very excited, seeing all the games, I can hear them, so I appreciate this and it’s important for us to feel the support of them.

“The football itself on the pitch is a little bit different. If you compare this to Argentina, it’s different, not in a good or a bad way.”