Melbourne Victory returns to Hyundai A-League action on Saturday night, hosting Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
Summary
Due to its commitments in the AFC Champions League, Victory last played in the Hyundai A-League on February 9.
It faces a short turnaround as it looks for a return to form, having suffered a 4-1 loss to Shanghai SIPG on Tuesday.
Fifth on the league table, Victory is winless in its past five matches in all competitions.
It has managed to score in its past three games, but only collected one point – in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Ulsan Hyundai last week.
Leroy George continued his fine form for Victory in continental competition and the winger has three goals and 11 assists in the Hyundai A-League this season.
Victory and Adelaide have met twice this campaign, drawing 2-2 before the Reds claimed a 2-1 win in the second clash.
Adelaide is fourth on the table heading into the Round 21 clash, with Victory able to climb above the Reds with a win.
The Reds are unbeaten in their past three matches, winning two and drawing one.
Player in focus
What they said
“We just need to keep going. We’re working hard, it’s just not happening. You could say that’s the story of our season. We’ve got the quality here, we’ve got the staff, we’ve got the personnel to bounce back.” – Victory defender Rhys Williams.
“It’s always fierce. It’s the original rivalry and it’s 11 v 11 and anything can happen on the day, but all the boys are up for it and we take character from the week before.” – Adelaide defender Jordan Elsey.
Last time
Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Round 10
Melbourne Victory 1-2 Adelaide United
Friday, December 8, 2017
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
After a Baba Diawara header put the Reds in front, Besart Berisha had a penalty saved prior to half-time.
Mark Milligan brought Victory level after the break, only for George Blackwood to score a 72nd-minute winner for Adelaide, which was reduced to nine men late on following red cards to Daniel Adlung and Ben Garuccio.
Head to head
Round 10, 2017/18: Victory 1-2 Adelaide at Etihad Stadium
Round 3, 2017/18: Adelaide 2-2 Victory at Adelaide Oval
Last 16, FFA Cup 2017: Adelaide 3-0 Victory at Marden Sports Complex
Round 21, 2016/17: Victory 2-1 Adelaide at AAMI Park
Round 14, 2016/17: Adelaide 0-2 Victory at Coopers Stadium