Melbourne Victory Men travel up north to face off against the Brisbane Roar on Saturday, March 1.
Defeating the Queenslanders at AAMI Park earlier this season, Victory will be eager to repeat their efforts at Suncorp Stadium this time around.
Melbourne Victory:
Securing a 2-2 draw in a hard-fought Melbourne Derby, Victory grabbed a crucial point amongst a tightly-contested pack competing for an Isuzu Ute A-League Finals spot.
A penalty goal converted by Zinédine Machach late in the first half along with Santos’ fourth goal of the season ensured Victory finished Round 20 sat fourth on the ladder.
However, Victory will be disappointed when looking across to the league’s xG-table, where they currently sit top of the league with 33 expected points.
Scoring just 27 goals compared to their expected 33 goals, underperformance in finding the back of the net has been a key factor as to why Victory does not find themselves currently higher on the league table – something that certainly can be amended considering the vast attacking and goalscoring talent present in the squad.
The starting debut in the Derby on late notice by Lachlan Jackson is certainly a positive for Arthur Diles’ side, blessed with an excellent option in the centre of defence as Victory enters the final stretch of the campaign.
Round 21 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, 11. Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES, 14. Jordi VALADON, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18. Fabian MONGE, 19. Jing REEC, 21. Roderick MIRANDA, 22. Joshua RAWLINS, 24. Alex MENELAOU, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS, 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI
Ins: 19. Jing REEC (promoted), 24. Alex MENELAOU (promoted)
Outs: 40. Christian SICILIANO (omitted)
Unavailable: 16. Joshua INSERRA (international duty)
Brisbane Roar:
Sat rock-bottom of the ladder with just six points recorded to date, Brisbane Roar have endured a difficult 2024/25 season so far.
While performances have left much to be desired at points this season, the Roar interestingly jump up to 10th in the league with 20 points according to the xG league table.
A significant issue for the Roar has been on the defensive end, conceding 35 goals this season – a significant underperformance of their 21 expected goals against.
A key player to watch for the Roar will be Henry Hore, who has scored two goals in just four games since returning from his loan spell with K-League side, Gangwon FC.
