Friday night's first ever AAMI Park clash between Melbourne City and Western United will be a test of the depth of both squads as injury, illness and international call-ups take a toll on both clubs.

While rivals Victory enjoy the bye - they are not in action until January 5 having seen off City 2-1 in the pre-Christmas derby - both City and Western have endured torrid times over the holiday season.

Head for heights: City's Connor Metcalfe nods home a goal in round 12. Credit:AAP

City not only lost to Victory but then crashed by the same 2-1 scoreline to Sydney on Sunday, a game which once again exposed the club's soft underbelly.

City took the lead and then played against 10 men for most of the game after Socceroos defender Rhyan Grant's 25th minute dismissal for a reckless lunge on City full back Nathaniel Atkinson. But despite statistical superiority, they couldn't take advantage of their numerical advantage and conceded a late goal to lose the game.