Melbourne Victory will open its 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign on the Central Coast this Friday night as they return to the scene of last year’s Grand Final.
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory
Date: Friday 18 October
Time: 7:35pm (AEDT)
Location: Industree Group Stadium
Broadcast: Paramount+ and How to watch
Patrick Kisnorbo’s side will head into the contest with a clean bill of health with the only omission from the squad being Daniel Arzani after he picked up four yellow cards in the 2024 Finals Series which earned him a one-match suspension.
Victory will be buoyed by the return of Nishan Velupillay and Jason Geria from Socceroos duty with the duo playing a major role in the national side’s successful international window.
Despite a loss in the final friendly match of against Western United, Victory will be confident a positive pre-season will leave them in good stead for an important month to start the campaign.
Couple that with Victory’s record that has not seen them beaten in a season opener since the 2018/19 season and Kisnorbo’s side will be full of confidence heading into Round 1.
Friday’s opponents will look to begin their title defence without their skipper Trent Sainsbury. Their new signing will be out until the new year leaving a hole in the center of their defence after the departure of Dan Hall to Auckland.
Despite injuries and exits from their Championship-winning squad, the Mariners are not to be underestimated heading into Round 1. Mark Jackson’s side have embraced and thrived with the underdogs tag and will continue to be considered that despite being Champions.
The Mariners have also played two competitive matches in the Asian Champions League so they will feel primed heading into Friday’s contest.
Extended Squad
Melbourne Victory FC Squad: 2. Jason GERIA, 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 8. Zinedine MACHACH, 9. Nikolaos VERGOS, 10. Bruno FORNAROLI, 11. SANTOS, 14. Jordi VALADON, 16. Joshua INSERRA, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18. Fabian MONGE, 19. Jing REEC, 21. Roderick MIRANDA, 22. Joshua RAWLINS, 25. Jack DUNCAN, 26. Luka KOLIC, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS, 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI
From PK
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