Melbourne Victory will play its first match of the 2023/24 pre-season on Monday night as it faces Newcastle Jets in the 2023 Australia Cup play-off in Darwin.
Victory return to the Australia Cup play-offs for the second time in the three seasons of the play-off format, looking to replicate their incredible 2022 run that saw them take out the competition after entering at the same stage.
This will be Victory’s first every trip to Darwin with the infamous hot and steamy conditions likely to greet both sides on Monday night.
Tony Popovic’s side returned to training last Monday in preparation for the contest and will use the full allotment of the squad for the game, looking to lean on some of the high-flying, match-fit Academy players in the match day squad.
The new scholarship trio of Franco Lino, Josh Inserra and Jordi Valadon will look to feature after signing on with the A-League Men’s squad and will look to make the most of the first-team opportunity while a range of the A-League Men’s first team squad will also be available for selection.
The Jets similarly come into the match with a fresh squad and a new coach with Rob Stanton taking over the reins at Newcastle in June.
Victory and Newcastle have gone head-to-head in the Australia Cup twice, with the ledger sitting at one win a piece. The first contest in 2016 saw Victory take out a 3-1 win in the Round of 32 while the latest contest saw the Jets progress at the same stage of the competition with an extra time win in 2019.
Progression to the Round of 32 and a date at home against Brisbane Roar in mid August is on the line for both sides heading into the contest with the knock-out nature of the competition seeing the side eliminated not play a competitive match until late October, the start of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s season.
Victory face Newcastle on Monday 17 July at Darwin Football Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm AEST. The only way you can watch the match is on the 10 Play app. Visit 10play.com.au or watch on the 10 Play app on selected TV’s, tablets and phones.
Match Details
Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs
Monday 17 July, 2023
Newcastle Jets FC vs Melbourne Victory FC
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park
