Melbourne Victory looks to make it back-to-back wins in the Hyundai A-League when it welcomes the Central Coast Mariners to AAMI Park.
Summary
Victory got its season going with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 3.
Terry Antonis’ second goal in as many games helped Victory overcome the Jets in the Grand Final rematch.
It also marked the second time the 24-year-old midfielder has combined with Keisuke Honda this season.
Honda has been involved in all four of Victory’s league goals to begin the campaign, scoring once and providing three assists, having a decisive impact in Newcastle.
The win left Victory just four points off top spot heading into the ‘Remembrance Round’ meeting with the Mariners on Sunday.
Victory is expected to again be without striker Kenny Athiu (hamstring), while Ola Toivonen (calf) is making progress as he eyes a first appearance for the club. Raul Baena also missed the trip to Newcastle.
The Mariners played out two draws to start their season before suffering a 3-0 loss to Adelaide United last time out.
Victory is unbeaten in its past 15 matches against Central Coast, which last claimed a win in the fixture in April 2013.
Player in focus
What they said
“Everyone lifts when they come to Melbourne, to AAMI Park or to Marvel (Stadium) as well, so we’ve got to be pretty wary of them and I think their front four or five, they’ve got some really good players. We need to concentrate on ourselves but we need to be wary of their threats too. But after the first three performances we can be pretty confident.” – Victory forward Kosta Barbarouses.
Last time
Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Round 23
Melbourne Victory 5-2 Central Coast Mariners
Sunday, March 18, 2018
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Victory claimed a resounding win when it hosted the Mariners late last season.
Besart Berisha scored a hat-trick to go with goals from Leroy George and Christian Theoharous as Victory claimed its win, despite a late brace from Connor Pain for the Mariners.
As it stands
Head to head
Round 23, 2017/18: Victory 5-2 Mariners at AAMI Park
Round 14, 2017/18: Victory 1-1 Mariners at GMHBA Stadium
Round 4, 2017/18: Mariners 1-1 Victory at Central Coast Stadium
Round 27, 2016/17: Victory 1-0 Mariners at AAMI Park
Round 20, 2016/17: Mariners 0-3 Victory at Central Coast Stadium
Match details
Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Kick-off: 7.00pm AEDT
