Melbourne Victory Men will make their return to AAMI Park to take on the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
After playing two consecutive games on the road, Melbourne Victory return to their home soil to face the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Melbourne Victory:
Victory come into this game securing an important point away from home against the Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s league leaders, Auckland FC.
Keeping yet another clean sheet while creating scoring chances on a tough away trip to New Zealand, positives will undoubtedly be taken back to Melbourne for Saturday’s game.
Arthur Diles will have Zinedine Machach back available for selection after serving his one-match suspension – a welcomed return for the powerful attacking midfielder.
The Vuck have historically performed well against the Western Sydney Wanderers, winning 15 out of their 31 A-League clashes with a +18 goal difference.
Western Sydney Wanderers:
The Western Sydney Wanderers have experienced a relatively mixed season so far, currently sat seventh on the A-League Men’s ladder under new head coach, Alen Stajcic.
The Wanderers enjoyed a positive four game undefeated streak heading into their New Year’s Day clash with Macarthur FC, where they fell short to the Bulls 2-3 at home.
The side has familiar faces, with captain Lawrence Thomas and midfielder Joshua Brillante both former Victory players who have established themselves as key players in Western Sydney.
World Cup Winner Juan Mata will be one to watch after opening his scoring tally for the Wanderers in their previous fixture, while Nicolas Milanovic, Brandon Borrello and Marcus Antononsson have all helped in seeing the Wanderers currently sat as the league leaders for goals scored this season.
However, weaknesses appear on the defensive end for the Wanderers who have conceded 20 goals so far this season – the third most in the league. Injuries across the backline have left the squad thin at the back, an area Victory could look to exploit.
Round 12 Squad:
2. Jason GERIA, 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 7. Daniel ARZANI, 8. Zinedine Machach, 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, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS, 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI
Ins: 8. Zinedine Machach, 16. Joshua INSERRA (promoted)
Outs: 26. Luka KOLIC (omitted)
Unavailable: nil
Match Details
Melbourne Victory vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 4 January
7:35pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne VIC
Broadcast: Paramount+ How To Watch
