Semi-Final Leg One preview: Western v Victory

Match details

Western United v Melbourne Victory
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Tuesday, May 16, 2022
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEST
Broadcast: 10Bold, Paramount+
Tickets

Preview

Melbourne Victory returns to the A-League Men Finals on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Semi-Final bout with Western United at AAMI Park.

Victory finished the regular season in second position, earning the weekend off ahead of the two-leg clash for a spot in the Grand Final.

While they prepared for Finals action, Western United defeated Wellington 1-0 in a tight game on Saturday night to set up an all-Melbourne contest.

Victory enter full of confidence, riding a Club-record 15-game unbeaten streak, including four wins in their last five games and seven in their last nine.

They will also draw confidence from a winning record over Western United in the regular season, with the head-to-head record an impressive 2-1-0 in Victory’s favour.

Victory’s last outing was the 4-1 win over Sydney FC on Saturday May 7, with goals to Nick D’Agostino, Jake Brimmer, Jason Geria and Brendan Hamill securing the top-two position.

The new Semi-Final format sees teams play off across two legs, with away goals not a factor in the aggregate score.

If the aggregate scores are level after 90 minutes in Saturday’s second leg, there will be extra-time and penalties if required.

Player in focus

Nick D’Agostino put together a stunning regular season, becoming the 10th player to score 10 or more goals in a single league season for Melbourne Victory and earning a national team debut.

‘Daggers’ looms large as the danger man for the Victory in their quest for Championship glory.

Last time

Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 regular season
Melbourne Victory 1-1 Western United
March 23, 2022
AAMI Park

Western United took the lead in the 47th minute before Brendan Hamill equalised in the 85th to split the points.

Head to head

2021/22 (March 23): Victory 1-1 Western at AAMI Park
2021/22 (Dec 26): Victory 3-1 Western at AAMI Park
2021/22 (Nov 20): Western 0-1 Victory at GMHBA Stadium
2020/21 (May 28): Western 1-6 Victory at AAMI Park
2020/21 (Feb 27): Victory 3-4 Western at AAMI Park