Melbourne Victory head west this Saturday night for a meeting with the in-form Perth Glory.
The clash will be the first meeting between the sides this season, with both currently outside the top six.
Victory come into the game off the back of an improved performance against Adelaide United last weekend.
Nick D’Agostino’s sensational strike secured a 1-1 draw against the Reds, earning Victory their first point of 2023.
Saturday night’s game sees Victory come up against a Glory side which has not yet lost at home this season.
However, Tony Popovic’s team will have good recent memories of playing in Perth having won 1-0 on their previous visit at the end of last season.
Francesco Margiotta was the goal scorer on that occasion.
Victory lead the overall head-to-head 20 wins to 19 (11 draws), and with both teams still well and truly in the race for finals, there is plenty riding on this weekend’s contest.
Recent history against Glory
The recent meetings between Victory and Perth reflect the tight overall head-to-head, with each side having their moments.
2021/22 (Apr 6): Glory 0-1 Victory
2021/22 (Dec 5): Victory 0-3 Glory
2020/21 (May 9): Glory 2-1 Victory
2020/21 (Jan 26): Victory 2-1 Glory
2019/20 (Aug 8): Victory 4-0 Glory
Melbourne Victory Squad
1.Matt ACTON, 2.Jason GERIA, 3.Enrique LOPEZ, 5.Matt SPIRANOVIC, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Chris IKONOMIDIS, 8.Josh BRILLANTE, 9.Tomi JURIC, 10.Bruno FORNAROLI, 11.Ben FOLAMI, 14.Jay BARNETT, 18.Nick D’AGOSTINO, 21.Roderick MIRANDA, 22.Jake BRIMMER, 24.Nishan VELUPILLAY, 25.Noah SMITH, 26.Lleyton BROOKS, 28.Will Wilson, 30.Ahmad TALEB, 31.Matthew BOZINOVSKI
In: 3.Enrique LOPEZ (promoted), 9.Tomi JURIC (promoted), 21.Roderick MIRANDA (promoted)
Out: 4.Rai MARCHAN (concussion protocol)
Unavailable: 17.Luis NANI (injured), 20.Paul IZZO (injured)
Match Details
Isuzu UTE A-League – Round 13
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 21 January
Kick-off: 10:30pm (AEDT)
Macedonia Park, Perth
Broadcast: Paramount+