Melbourne Victory is seeking to build on a period of good form when it visits Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday.
Summary
Victory has claimed big Hyundai A-League wins over Adelaide United and City since it was last in action in Group F.
After an impressive 3-0 win against Adelaide, Victory beat City 2-1 in an enthralling Derby at AAMI Park on Friday.
It faces a short turnaround as it returns to action in Asia, eyeing its first win in the competition this season.
Leroy George, who has two goals and an assist in the AFC Champions League, limped off in the second half of the win over City.
The star winger had scored a 62nd-minute header, which proved to be the match-winner, before coming off.
After drawing 3-3 with Ulsan Hyundai, Victory suffered a 4-1 loss at Shanghai SIPG in its second outing.
Despite the heavy defeat in China, Victory showed promising signs against a side inspired by former Chelsea star Oscar.
Victory is third in Group F ahead of back-to-back matches against J1 League champion Kawasaki.
While Kawasaki is without a point in the AFC Champions League, it has made a strong start to its domestic title defence, claiming four points from its opening two games.
Player in focus
What they said
“Two games prior to that (Adelaide game), we had an unbelievable performance here against Ulsan and then five days before that Adelaide game, we had a very good performance in Shanghai against a very good team and some class individuals, but you see the results and we analyse the result – I understand that, I don’t agree with it, but I understand that’s the way of professional sport – but if we’re talking about results, maybe it will be (a kick-start), who knows, but the team has been working hard and building towards the performances over the last four games.” – Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.
Last time
AFC Champions League 2010 Group E
Melbourne Victory 1-0 Kawasaki Frontale
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Only one goal separated the teams when they last met – in Melbourne eight years ago.
Muscat converted a 60th-minute penalty after Robbie Kruse was brought down in the area.
Head to head
Group stage, 2010: Victory 1-0 Kawasaki Frontale at Etihad Stadium
Group stage, 2010: Kawasaki Frontale 4-0 Victory at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium
Match details
Kawasaki Frontale v Melbourne Victory
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium, Kawasaki
Kick-off: 7.00pm local (9.00pm AEDT)
Live on Fox Sports 505
