Melbourne Victory Men travel to Western Australia and face off against Perth Glory on Saturday, February 1.
Following a crucial 2-0 win at AAMI Park over Sydney FC, Victory will aim to continue their form into this weekend.
Coming out on top in their clash earlier this season and winning all three of their meetings during 2024, Victory has enjoyed strong head-to-head success against the Glory.
Melbourne Victory:
Entering their U-NITE Round Big Blue clash winless in their previous six games following some unfortunate results – Victory’s 2-0 win at AAMI Park over Sydney FC was a well-needed boost for the side.
Enjoying the leadership and experience of the returning Mitch Langerak in net, Victory successfully shut out the league’s top-scoring side.
Goals from Nikos Vergos and Bruno Fornaroli displayed the quality of options possessed in the forward department, while impressive youngsters Ryan Teague and Kasey Bos registered assists for the goals.
Stepping in for the departed Jason Geria at right-back, Josh Rawlins played the full 90 minutes down the flank and displayed his notable experience at A-League level, despite his youth.
Arthur Diles will certainly take many positives from his first win as Victory’s head coach, jumping back into the top six of the Isuzu Ute A-League ladder.
Round 17 Squad:
Rd17 – ALM vs Perth Glory
1. Mitch LANGERAK, 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, 26. Luka KOLIC, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS
Ins: 19. Jing REEC (promoted), 26. Luka KOLIC (promoted)
Outs: nil.
Unavailable: nil.
Perth Glory:
Sat second to bottom after their first 15 games of the 2024/25 season, Perth Glory have endured a tough start to life under new head coach David Zdrillic.
Recording the tied most losses in the league with 10 and the most goals conceded in the league with 37, the Western Australian-based side are stuck in a difficult position with a mountain to climb in the fight for a finals spot.
While starting the season poorly, the Glory have proven capable of some shock results. Picking up draws away from home against the Central Coast Mariners, Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets; while most notably defeating top-of-the-table Auckland FC 1-0 at home a few weeks back – Glory has proven capable of stepping up on the big occasions.
Despite not currently matching his form that saw him finish as the league’s 2023/24 Golden Boot winner, Adam Taggart is an ever-present threat for Perth – recording five goals and three assists so far this season.
Victory will also look to keep watch of the multitude of new signings made by the Glory during the mid-season transfer window, notably Lachlan Wales who scored the late equalising goal for his side in Newcastle.
