Melbourne Victory interim Head Coach Grant Brebner has confirmed two key changes to the starting eleven, ahead of Saturday’s Hyundai A-League fixture against Perth Glory.
With two games of the 2019/20 season remaining, Brebner has stated that Andrew Nabbout will return to action along with a refreshed Aaron Anderson.
Nabbout missed Victory’s defeat against Central Coast due to injury, while Anderson continues to impress the Head Coach in a defensive role.
MATCH DAY! We're back at it this arvo. Catch our clash with Perth on Fox Sports 503, Kayo or the MyFootball app from 5.00pm #MVFC pic.twitter.com/eTCv2DLnMT
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 7, 2020
Two changes
“Nabbout was a forced change,” said Brebner. “His ankle rolled in training and while he was touch and go to play, we weren’t in a position where we wanted to risk him and make it worse.”
Nabbout has scored six goals in 20 appearances for Victory this season – including a right-footed finish against Perth in Round 17.
Meanwhile, Anderson continues his transition into the first team and will make his third Victory appearance tonight.
“Anderson will not feel the brunt of where we are at the moment,” said Brebner.
“He is a development player and [resting him] the other night was the right decision. He comes back in against Perth and hopefully he can pick up from where he left off.”
Everyone based in Sydney has their thoughts with everyone back in Melbourne 💙 #MVFC pic.twitter.com/zMOEsVTzuJ
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 7, 2020
Learning curve
Brebner admitted his disappointment with Victory’s recent result, but continues to focus on the bigger picture.
“We came here with a five-game campaign and we now have two games left. We can only use these games to learn from and there is no doubt that the Central Coast loss hurt us,” said Brebner.
“There have been moments which have been pleasing, but we are not in the development phase even though we are looking towards next year.
“Am I pleased with certain instances in these last three games? Yes, but we still have a long way to go,” said the Head Coach.
Our extended squad is in for #PERvMVC, thanks to @MetriconHomes! Preview: https://t.co/jzY72P0xxb #MVFC pic.twitter.com/IpTjGbKEk5
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 7, 2020
Lesiotis
Although boosted by the return of Nabbout, 20-year-old Anthony Lesiotis will miss Victory’s two remaining games through injury.
“He did take a reasonably sore ligament injury and he is done for the season now – just through competitiveness in training,” confirmed Brebner.
“He lunged for a tackle and didn’t have the weight behind his ankle. I feel for Anthony because he would have featured more.”
