Melbourne City will face sister club Manchester City at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast this Saturday in the inaugural fixture between the two clubs owned and operated by City Football Group.

No one needs to explain the magnitude of the occasion to the players and staff of the A-League outfit, with head coach John van't Schip recently describing the fixture as an 'historic moment'.

"It's very important for everybody, it's the first friendly game and everyone is looking forward to it," van't Schip told the official Melbourne City website.

"It's an historic moment for both clubs.

"(We) want to really go out there and have a competitive game and I can't imagine a better opponent to play against.

"It's an opportunity for everyone to see what level (Manchester City) are at and for us as a team, it's a good point to see what's needed ahead of the FFA Cup."

Here are five reasons why van't Schip is on the money and Saturday's clash is a must see for every Melbourne City supporter:

1) See how this 'sibling rivalry' plays out

With Manchester City undoubtedly the older sibling in this relationship, it will be interesting to see the approach of van't Schip and the Melbourne City players as they take on Manchester City's litany of stars.

Will the A-League club's young squad be stuck watching in awe as the Premier League outfit runs rings around them, or will they rise to the occasion and manage to get one over their big brother?

Either way, van't Schip is adamant his team will benefit from the experience.

"For us especially playing in Australia against our sister club, it'll be a great moment for our players to step on the pitch and play against them," van't Schip said.

"We met them before their trip to America last year and this winter we saw them in Abu Dhabi so this is going to be the third occasion that we're meeting as team but this will be the first on the pitch.

"I think its going to be a very interesting game and good for both teams to be playing."

For his part, Yaya Toure also appears to be curious to see the style of play employed by Manchester City's sister club.

"It's my first time here. We're looking forward to seeing our fans and our sister (club) as well," Toure said.

"We're going to play a friendly in a couple of days, it's going to be nice and very exciting.

"We're enjoying our time here."

2) First opportunity to watch former Premier League defender Aaron Hughes

Saturday's clash will be the first opportunity for City fans to cast their eyes over Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes.

The 35-year-old has a plethora of experience having made 455 English Premier League appearances during spells at Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Fulham.

Hughes' first assignment in City colours is set to be a challenging one. The central defender will tasked with keeping quiet a Manchester City front third boasting the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva, Yaya Toure and recent acquisition Raheem Sterling.

3) Ivan Franjic and Michael Zullo to make Melbourne City debuts

Melbourne City have arguably the best fullback duo in the A-League following the off-season acquisition of Ivan Franjic and Michael Zullo.

Right-back Franjic signed with Melbourne City after a season with Topedo Moscow in Russia, while left-back Zullo ended a four-year stint with Dutch outfit FC Utrecht to return home to Australia.

Supporters of the club will no doubt be curious to see how the two Australian internationals cope with the overwhelming attacking threat posed by the Premier League outfit, especially the wing play of the likes of Sterling, Silva and Jesus Navas.

4) A-League trialists trying to make their mark against Premier League stars

It is not unusual at this time of year to find a plethora of trialists taking part in pre-season friendlies as they look to secure a spot on an A-League roster.

However, imagine trying to prove you're worthy of an A-League contract against arguably one of the most talented line-ups in world football.

That's the challenge facing former Western Sydney midfielder Jason Trifiro, former Adelaide midfielder Cameron Watson and former Brisbane midfielder George Lambaridis.

The trio of trialists have been included in Melbourne City's travelling squad for the fixture and may find themselves in a midfield battle with the likes of Samir Nasri, Navas, Fernandinho, Toure and Silva to name a few. No pressure boys.

5) Velaphi trying to secure No.1 jersey with Sorensen linked to Melbourne City

Following the departure of Andrew Redmayne to Western Sydney Wanderers, Tando Velaphi is the only goalkeeper with A-League experience currently on Melbourne City's books.

There is every chance Velaphi will be kept quite busy between the sticks on Saturday night and Melbourne City fans will be no doubt interested to see how the much-maligned 28-year-old handles the occasion.

Velaphi will be keen to impress, with Melbourne City having been linked to former Sunderland, Aston Villa and Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

John van't Schip was tight-lipped when recently asked about rumours the Danish international could be on the move to AAMI Park.

"But of course we're looking in those positions, that's true," he said.