Melbourne Victory Men look to bounce back in New Zealand against Auckland FC on New Year’s Day.
Melbourne Victory travel across the Tasman Sea to face the current Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s league leaders, Auckland FC. This will be Victory’s first-ever game against the league’s brand-new club but will face a number of familar faces.
Melbourne Victory:
Victory will be keen to turn the corner after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Sydney FC on Saturday night. It will be a quick turnaround for Victory, having remained on the road for the four days between games, this time travelling to New Zealand’s Northern Island.
Arthur Diles will be tasked with finding a replacement in the starting XI for star Frenchman, Zinedine Machach – who will return from suspension in time for Victory’s match with the Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday.
Thankfully for Diles, Victory’s deep attacking options include Bruno Fornaroli, Nishan Velupillay, Santos and Jing Reec – all potential candidates to earn a starting role against Auckland.
Despite conceding three goals in Sydney, they still hold the tied-best defensive record in the league with their upcoming opposition – both sides conceding just eight goals in nine games.
Auckland FC:
Joining the Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s competition this season, Auckland FC have surprised many with their strong start in the league.
Coached by former Sydney FC player and coach, Steve Corica, Auckland find themselves on top of the league by a four-point margin heading into Round 11.
Winning their first six games, Auckland experienced their first draw and loss in consecutive weeks against Melbourne City and Western United respectively. However, the Black Knights enjoyed a convincing 4-1 win in their most recent game against the reigning A-League Men’s Champions, Central Coast Mariners.
Auckland has been led by Japanese international defender, Hiroki Sakai, a key figure in the backline along with Bournemouth-loanee goalkeeper, Alex Paulsen.
Former Victory player and Johnny Warren medalist, Jake Brimmer, is an important player in midfield for Steve Corica’s side. Helping maintain control and stability behind Brimmer, Louis Verstraete has been a revelation since joining Auckland as a powerful holding midfielder.
Melbourne Victory Round 11 Squad:
2. Jason GERIA, 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 7. Daniel ARZANI, 9. Nikolaos VERGOS, 10. Bruno FORNAROLI, 11. Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES, 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
Ins: 16. Joshua INSERRA (promoted), 26. Luka KOLIC (promoted)
Outs: 8. Zinedine MACHACH (suspension)
Unavailable: 8. Zinedine MACHACH (suspension)
Match Details
Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory
Wednesday 1 January
5:00pm
Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Broadcast: Paramount+ How To Watch
