Match details
Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Live and free on Channel 10
Preview
Melbourne Victory hosts the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday eager to return to winning ways in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Victory went down to the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 on Wednesday, marking a third straight defeat.
The Mariners visit AAMI Park in what is a repeat of the Australia Cup Final, which Victory won earlier this month.
The encounter will mark the fifth time Victory has been in action in 15 days amid a busy run of fixtures.
Since winning the Australia Cup, Victory has fallen to defeats to the Wellington Phoenix, Newcastle Jets and Wanderers.
In positive news, midfielder William Wilson came on late against Western Sydney, making his Isuzu UTE A-League debut.
Victory will regain captain Josh Brillante for the clash against the Mariners after the midfielder missed the meeting with the Wanderers through suspension.
After the loss to the Wanderers, Victory was sixth on the table, five points off top spot.
Player in focus
Marco Rojas could be set for a return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench at CommBank Stadium. The New Zealander has provided five Isuzu UTE A-League assists this season, the second most in the competition.
Last time
Australia Cup 2021 Final
Melbourne Victory 2-1 Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, February 5, 2022
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Jason Davidson’s wonderful free-kick put Victory ahead before Chris Ikonomidis’ fabulous strike in additional time.
Oliver Bozanic’s goal made for a nervous finish for Victory, which held on.
Head to head
Final, Australia Cup: Victory 2-1 Mariners at AAMI Park
Round 19, 2020/21: Victory 1-1 Mariners at AAMI Park
Round 14, 2020/21: Mariners 1-1 Victory at Central Coast Stadium
Round 26, 2019/20: Victory 2-3 Mariners at Jubilee Stadium
Round 14, 2019/20: Mariners 3-2 Victory at Central Coast Stadium
