Melbourne Victory Men prepare for an exciting Pride Cup doubleheader at AAMI Park, taking on Original Rivals Adelaide United on Saturday, March 29.
Searching to lock in an Isuzu Ute A-League finals spot in their remaining five games, Victory will have the opportunity to claim some important points in a crucial Original Rivalry match-up.
Undefeated on home soil against the Reds since 2021, revenge will be on the cards for Victory after falling short in Round 15’s reverse fixture.
Melbourne Victory
Travelling to Western Sydney following a convincing 3-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners, Victory suffered a 2-4 defeat after a strong Wanderers comeback.
Registering impressive goal contributions before departing on international duty, winger duo Nishan Velupillay and Daniel Arzani continued their form in playing both of the Socceroos’ crucial qualifying games; with the former starting and scoring in both games.
Receiving his first cap after being trusted to start against China, Ryan Teague was a standout player in the Green and Gold’s midfield – a great reward after producing consistently impressive performances in Navy Blue.
While our Socceroos trio grabbed the attention of many for their top work; the Olyroos trio of Jordi Valadon, Joshua Rawlins and Jing Reec enjoyed an excellent week away competing in the Doha International U-23 Cup.
Returning to league football for an important final stretch of the season, Arthur Diles’ side will fight hard to secure their place in a super-competitive race for a top-six ladder position.
Round 24 Squad
1. Mitch LANGERAK, 3. Adama TRAORE, 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 7. Daniel ARZANI, 8. Zinedine MACHACH, 9. Nikolaos VERGOS, 10. Bruno FORNAROLI, 14. Jordi VALADON, 16. Joshua INSERRA, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18. Fabian MONGE, 19. Jing REEC, 21. Roderick MIRANDA, 22. Joshua RAWLINS, 23. Alexander BADOLATO, 25. Jack DUNCAN, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS
Ins: 23. Alexander BADOLATO, 25. Jack DUNCAN
Outs: 11. Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES (injured), 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI (omitted)
Unavailable: Nil
Adelaide United
Sat just beneath Victory heading into Round 24, Adelaide United are in the midst of a difficult run.
Placed on top of the league after defeating Victory 3-2 in Round 15, the Reds have since registered just one win in their last eight games.
Defeated 4-5 on home soil by a Macarthur FC side who were in a difficult patch of form, Adelaide United have slipped from Premiership contention to grasping for a top six spot.
Taking on a Victory side that has recorded just a single loss at AAMI Park this season, overturning their five-game winless streak will certainly be a test for the Reds on Saturday night.
