We’re well and truly into the business end of the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season, with just five matches left before the Finals Series.
As things stand, Melbourne Victory sits in third place on the A-League ladder with 41 points – one behind second-placed Sydney FC and six ahead of Wellington Phoenix.
Perth Glory tops the table with 51 points.
We take a look at Victory’s run home to the finals as it chases a top-two finish…
Round 23 – Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – HBF Park – 10.00pm – Saturday, March 30
A big test for Victory, travelling away to face the league-leaders at HBF Park. Perth has a strong record at home this season, winning eight out of 11 games and losing just once. Perth has the edge over Victory this season so far, winning both games at AAMI Park. The result in this match could go a long way in shaping the final make up of the top three.
Round 24 – Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory – Sydney Cricket Ground – 7.50pm – Saturday, April 6
Another crucial game for Victory that will no doubt have a big say in who finishes in the top two. This will be Melbourne’s first ever game at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney FC’s second, following a 2-0 Derby win back in Round 2. Victory has won both games against Sydney this season; registering 2-1 wins at Jubilee Stadium in Round 5 and at AAMI Park in Round 16.
Round 25 – Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners – AAMI Park – 5.00pm – Sunday, April 14
Victory’s only home match before the Finals comes against an Alen Stajcic-led Central Coast side. Melbourne enjoyed a big 4-1 win against the Mariners at home in Round 4, before coming from 2-0 down to win 2-3 away at Central Coast Stadium in Round 17. This is a must-win fixture for Victory before it hits the road to round out the regular season.
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Round 26 – Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory – Coopers Stadium – 7.50pm – Friday, April 19
Always a highly-anticipated fixture, Victory’s next trip to Adelaide United promises to be one of the biggest yet. Melbourne could be looking to secure top-two status while Adelaide could be pushing to cement a spot in the Finals Series. Adelaide took the points when Victory last visited in Round 12, however Melbourne enjoyed a 2-0 win earlier in the season at Marvel Stadium.
Round 27 – Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory – ANZ Stadium – 7.50pm – Saturday, April 27
Victory rounds out its 2018/19 regular season with a trip to ANZ Stadium to face the Wanderers. Melbourne has won both games against Western Sydney so far this season; 4-0 at Marvel Stadium in Round 6 and 2-1 at ANZ Stadium in Round 11. The wanderers are currently 11 points off sixth place, so this match could decide whether or not they play Finals football this season.
