NPL preview: Western v Victory

Melbourne Victory meets Western United in another important NPL 3 Victoria clash on Sunday.

Preview

Victory is unbeaten in four games after earning a difficult point in a 0-0 draw away to the Preston Lions last time out.

Both teams had their chances at B.T. Connor Reserve, but the spoils were shared in an even and often physical encounter.

The result sees Victory (11 points) sitting fourth on the table, behind City (13), Western (13) and Preston (11).

That makes Sunday’s clash at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field an important one in what will be Victory’s seventh game this season.

The clean sheet against Preston was Victory’s first of the campaign in another step in the right direction.

It rarely looked troubled in a tight contest, while it has managed to score 11 goals this season, with Binyam Kebede netting three of those.

Victory and Western met twice last season, playing out 2-2 draws in both matches.

Player in focus

The draw with Preston was Victory’s first clean sheet of the season. Goalkeeper Christian Siciliano wasn’t too busy, but made a few good saves to ensure Victory was able to earn a point.

This week

Women’s State League 4 West: Melbourne Victory Afghan Women’s Team v Melton Phoenix (Sunday, May 1 at 3.00pm AEST at Ron Barassi Snr Reserve 1, Docklands)
NPL 3 Victoria: Western United v Melbourne Victory U23s (Sunday, May 1 at 3.00pm AEST at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field, Fraser Rise)
U21 NPL 3 Victoria: Western United v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, May 1 at 12.30pm AEST at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field, Fraser Rise)
U18 NPL 1: Altona Magic v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, May 1 at 3.15pm AEST at Paisley Park, Altona North)
U16 NPL 1: Green Gully v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, May 1 at 1.15pm AEST at Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs)
U15 NPL 1: Caroline Springs George Cross v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, May 1 at 11.30am AEST at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field, Fraser Rise)
U14 NPL 1: Berwick City v Melbourne Victory (Sunday, May 1 at 10.00am AEST at Jack Thomas Reserve, Narre Warren North)

Last week

Women’s State League 4 West: ETA Buffalo Club of Victoria 0 Victory Afghan Women’s Team 0
NPL 3 Victoria:
Preston Lions 0 Victory U23s 0
U21 NPL 3 Victoria: Preston Lions 0 Victory 1 (Bos 79′)