Muscat happy with new system despite FFA Cup loss

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat was pleased with how his team adapted to "major differences" in their set-up despite losing to Melbourne City in the Westfield FFA Cup semi final on Tuesday night.

While Victory ended up losing their second derby in 10 days - going down 2-0 at AAMI Park - they had plenty of joy against City with Muscat having switched from his regular 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-3-3 line-up.

City outmuscle Victory in fiery FFA Cup semi final

Catch up on the game in the official match centre

With Carl Valeri, Leigh Broxham and Rashid Mahazi screening Victory's defence, Muscat's side had a strong foundation to launch counterattacks from.

Tim Cahill fights for the ball with Victory midfielder Leigh Broxham.

Besart Berisha held the ball up well, while Marco Rojas and full-back Jason Geria provided plenty of pace on the break.

"It was major differences tonight and there's been slight differences in other games that probably go unnoticed but based on the opposition we were playing, we picked a team accordingly and we picked a structure accordingly," Muscat said.

"I think, for the main, we were pretty comfortable.

"We handled playing out through a very aggressive press, from Lawrence all the way to creating chances up the other end."

Muscat indicated the 4-3-3 formation could be used again this season.

Last week, Perth Glory defeated City 3-2 while employing similar tactics.