After an underwhelming start to BBL|07, the Melbourne Stars desperately need a victory against their arch rivals
Stars out to repeat history in BBL derby
Can history repeat itself for the Melbourne Stars?
Three summers ago, the Stars were out of sorts at 0-3 and on the brink of missing the KFC Big Bash League finals for the first time.
But a derby triumph against the Renegades, in which they skittled their crosstown rivals for 57, sparked a five-match winning streak which propelled them into the final four.
The Stars were knocked out by eventual champions Perth Scorchers but the lesson was clear - it's never too late to turn things around.
It's something the Stars have felt compelled to remind themselves in the lead-up to Saturday night's derby at the MCG.
Again the Stars are 0-3 and struggling to fire despite the star power of Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell.
"It's a pretty disappointing start but I guess we can turn it around," legspinner Adam Zampa said on Friday.
"We've been 0-3 in the past and turned it around.
"We've got the (talent) here. Hopefully there's a bit of fire in the belly after the way we've started.
"A game like tomorrow, 80-odd thousand people ... if you can't get yourself up for that and you can't bring your attitude tomorrow, then I guess you're never going to do it."
If the Stars are stuck in something of a loop, the same can't be said for their opposition.
After making the finals just once in their previous six seasons, the Renegades have found their mojo with a 3-1 start.
Aaron Finch's side boast an imposing and versatile bowling attack with tweakers Brad Hogg and Mohammad Nabi supported by pacemen Dwayne Bravo, Jack Wildermuth and Kane Richardson.
And they have also been impressive with the bat, led by Finch and the evergreen Cameron White.
"If each bowler knows their role, which is what the Renegades look like they're doing really well at the moment, it can make it tough," Zampa said.
"They've got a great bowling attack and they've got dangerous players with the bat so it's going to be a tough game.
"Hopefully we're switched on for it."
Zampa will miss the second half of the BBL season. He is set to link up with Australia's ODI squad next week as they prepare to face England in their Gillette ODI Series.
Maxwell's surprise ODI snubbing means he will remain on hand for the Stars, while Peter Handscomb is also set to return to action after being overlooked for national duties.