Melbourne Victory’s Men and Women are both on the road this weekend, as Saturday looms as a double away day. Here are the points to take note of.
Victory’s Women will take to the pitch in Adelaide at 4:00pm, while it’s a late night for the Men, who kick-off at 10:30pm (7:30pm local).
MEN’S FIRST TRIP WEST
Saturday night’s game in Perth will be the first time Victory’s Men have played away in the West this season.
Perth’s temporary home of Macedonia Park has proven somewhat of a fortress for the Glory, who are yet to taste defeat at their new home.
BUILDING ON LAST WEEK
Last week’s 1-1 draw with Adelaide in the Original Rivalry has sparked confidence within the Men’s camp.
Looking back post-match, Head Coach Tony Popovic believed his side should have taken more from the game, given the chances and quality of play.
Popovic explained: “I thought the players showed a lot of confidence, a lot of belief. It didn’t look like a team that thought they couldn’t win and that’s really pleasing with all the young boys that are on the field.”
“It’s a game we should have won considering the chances we had.”
This week’s clash with Perth presents the opportunity to kickstart the season, before the Victory return home for the annual U-NITE Multicultural Round against Sydney FC next Thursday.
WOMEN UNBEATEN IN SEVEN
A frustrating draw with Western Sydney took Victory Women’s unbeaten run to seven, as confidence levels continue to remain high.
With the return of Claudia Bunge strengthening Victory’s defence, attention now turns to the front three who have struggled to find the back of the net.
However, chance creation remains high at the attacking end, and it seems only a matter of time before the Victory find their feet in front of goal once again.
ADELAIDE FINALS MEMORIES
March 13th stays in the memory as a happy day for the Victory, beating Adelaide to progress through to a Semi-Final against Melbourne City the week after.
Victory would go on to win the following week, and book their place in a second consecutive A-League Women’s Grand Final.
Lia Privitelli and Melina Ayres were on the scoresheet that day in Adelaide, as the Victory prevailed 2-1.
