Match details
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
Broadcast: 10Bold, Paramount+
Preview
Football is back.
Sydney FC play host to a new-look Melbourne Victory line-up in a Saturday night blockbuster at the reconstructed Allianz Stadium to kick off each team’s campaigns.
For Victory fans, memories of Terry Antonis’ heroics in the dramatic 2018 Semi-Final win will be front of mind as the venue hosts its first A-League Men fixture since that fateful night.
Victory’s off-season has been nothing short of eventful.
The signature of Luis Nani – who is set to make his league debut – headlined a busy period hosting Manchester United at the MCG and performing strongly in a multitude of friendlies to prepare for the season proper.
Victory’s line-up is sure to be a talking point as Tony Popovic is forced to make tough decisions up front and down back with newcomers Nani, Enrique Lopez, Noah Smith and George Timotheou all pressing their cases for minutes over the pre-season.
Jason Geria and Tomi Juric are the only players listed as unavailable.
Victory will be buoyed by their last trip to Sydney, winning 4-1 in the final round last season to snap a winless run against their old rivals.
They also triumphed in their previous opening round fixture, defeating Western United 1-0 to kick off last season in Geelong.
With a large contingent of travelling fans making the trip to support the boys, it’s all set for a thrilling night of football.
What they said
Josh Brillante – “They’ve (Sydney) been a super competitive team for many years now. They always have quality players and they’re a tough team to play, especially away.”
“It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere – we’re hoping a lot of people turn up. Everyone’s got that buzz around them now leading into that first game.”
Player in focus
Portugese legend Nani will make his highly-anticipated A-League Men debut in the showcase clash of Round One.
The winger will be keen to make an immediate impression on his new fanbase and establish himself as one of the premier players in the league.
Last time
Sydney FC 1 – 4 Melbourne Victory
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Head to head
2021/2022 (May 7): Sydney 1-4 Victory
2021/22 (Jan 25): Victory 2-2 Sydney
2020/21 (May 19): Sydney 2-0 Victory
2020/21 (Apr 27): Sydney 1-0 Victory
2020/21 (Apr 4): Victory 0-3 Sydney
Squad
#1 Matt Acton
#3 Enrique Lopez
#4 Rai Marchan
#5 Matt Spiranovic
#6 Leigh Broxham
#7 Chris Ikonomidis
#8 Josh Brillante
#11 Ben Folami
#14 Jay Barnett
#15 George Timotheou
#16 Stefan Nigro
#17 Luis Nani
#18 Nick D’Agostino
#20 Paul Izzo
#21 Roderick Miranda
#22 Jake Brimmer
#23 Nathan Konstandopoulos
#24 Nishan Velupillay
#25 Noah Smith
#26 Lleyton Brooks
#28 Will Wilson
#29 Eli Adams
