Geelong SC v Victory
Stead Park
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST
Preview
Melbourne Victory are back in action this weekend when they make the trip to Stead Park to take on Geelong SC.
Victory return to the pitch following a week off, ensuring the squad will be recharged and raring to go on Saturday night.
The game will also be Victory’s first since receiving confirmation that the teams finishing third and fourth in NPLM 3 will each have the chance to earn promotion through a play-off against one of the bottom-ranked teams in NPLM 2.
The announcement raises the stakes of Victory’s final two regular season matches significantly, although the side could secure a play-off spot this weekend with a positive result if Nunawading City fail to win their game against Doveton.
Joe Palatsides’ side though will be eager to secure a third-place finish to enhance their chances of success in any play-off which does eventuate.
Victory’s most recent result was a 4-0 loss to North Sunshine Eagles two weeks ago.
The result was Victory’s worst of the season, further raising the incentive for a bounce-back performance against Geelong.
Geelong enter the game in good form, winning their last two games by an aggregate score of 8-2.
The back-to-back wins have guaranteed Geelong’s safety from relegation and ensured they will finish in a mid-table position, with the promotion play-offs beyond reach.
The two teams met back in Round 10 this season at Epping Stadium, where second half goals from Binyam Kebede and Adem Duratovic earned Victory all three points.
A tough away trip awaits for Victory, although plenty is on the line in the final weeks of the season.
Player in focus
Edmond Lupancu is gradually rebuilding his match fitness and form having been dogged by injury in the first half of the season.
The promising young defender will be one to keep an eye on having earned plenty of admirers already in his young career.
This week
Women’s State League 4 West: Victory Afghan Women’s Team v Barnstoneworth United (Sunday, August 14 at 3:00pm AEST at Ron Barassi Senior Reserve)
NPLM 3 Victoria: Geelong SC v Melbourne Victory (Saturday, August 13 at 6:00pm AEST at Stead Park)
U21 NPLM 3 Victoria: Geelong SC v Melbourne Victory (Saturday, August 13 at 3:45pm AEST at Stead Park)
U18 NPL 1: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory (Thursday, August 18 at 7:15pm at Casey Fields)
U16 NPL 1: BYE
U15 NPL 1: Whittlesea Ranges v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, August 14 at 11:30am at Harvest Home Recreation Reserve)
U14 NPL 1: Altona Magic v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, August 14 at 10:00am at Paisley Park)
Last time out
Women’s State League 4 West: Victory Afghan Women’s Team 3 Point Cook 0 (forfeit)
NPLM 3 Victoria: Victory 0 North Sunshine Eagles 4
U21 NPLM 3 Victoria: Victory 11 North Sunshine Eagles 0
U18 NPL 1: Victory 5 Bentleigh Greens 0
U16 NPL 1: Victory 0 Bentleigh Greens 2
U15 NPL 1: Victory 3 Bentleigh Greens 0
U14 NPL 1: Victory 2 Brimbank Stallions 0
