Melbourne Victory Men return to AAMI Park for an important game against the Wellington Phoenix on Friday, February 14.
After suffering a tough away loss to the Newcastle Jets in their previous fixture, Victory will be determined to bounce back against the Wellington Phoenix.
Victory has enjoyed many hard-fought matchups against the Phoenix in recent history, notably defeating the Phoenix to make the Isuzu Ute A-League Grand final last season.
Melbourne Victory:
Fresh off two straight 2-0 wins, Victory experienced a shock 0-3 loss to the Jets in Newcastle.
Conceding three goals in additional time due to an unforeseen medical emergency in the crowd; Victory were unable to convert the chances they created and fell short to the late momentum generated by the home side.
Despite the disappointing result, Victory will be glad to still find themselves sitting in the top six with a great opportunity to reclaim a higher position heading into Friday’s game.
Brazilian winger, Santos will undoubtedly be a player to watch for Victory – rewarded the Turkish Airlines Player of the Match award against the Jets after continuing his excellent form in Navy Blue.
Arthur Diles will be keen to ensure his side return to the win column on home soil.
Round 19 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, 25. Jack DUNCAN, 26. Luka KOLIC, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS
Ins: 4. Lachlan Jackson (promoted), 28. Kasey BOS (promoted)
Outs: 34. Kayne RAZMOVSKI (omitted)
Unavailable: 16. Joshua INSERRA (international duty)
Wellington Phoenix:
Off the back of a remarkable 2023/24 campaign that saw the New Zealand-based side finish 2nd, just two points behind premiers Central Coast – Wellington Phoenix has struggled to reach these heights this season.
The Nix sit 10th on the ladder; interestingly scoring the second-fewest goals in the league while also conceding the third-fewest goals – representing a team that despite their defensive solidity, has struggled to consistently find the back of the net.
Wellington found their revenge for their loss in last season’s semifinals at the hands of Victory earlier this season, running away as 1-0 winners in the Unite Round clash after a late Kosta Barbarouses goal.
Barbouses has once again been a key player for the Nix this season, scoring seven goals up front while new signing Hideki Ishige has been instrumental in creating chances – registering six assists.
