Semi-Final Leg Two preview: Victory v Western

Match details

Melbourne Victory v Western United
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Kick-off: 5.15pm AEST
Broadcast: 10Bold, Paramount+
Tickets

Preview

A spot in the 2022 A-League Men Grand Final is up for grabs.

Melbourne Victory and Western United lock horns for the deciding leg of their Semi-Final matchup on Saturday at AAMI Park in what shapes as a thriller.

Victory enter the clash with a slender 1-0 advantage after Tuesday’s ‘away’ first leg and can progress to the Grand Final with a draw or win.

But it will take another solid performance to keep Western at bay.

The first leg was a tense affair, with big chances difficult to create and both sides prioritising defensive stability over all-out attack.

It took a Jake Brimmer wonder volley to break the deadlock in the 74th minute in what Victory coach Tony Popovic described as a ‘real battle’.

Saturday’s clash should be different.

Western will need to find the back of the net to give themselves a chance to qualify for their first Grand Final, so will inevitably bring a more offensive mindset from the onset.

Victory will also be conscious of the need to score to keep their opponents at bay, creating a tantalising night at AAMI Park.

The first leg was the fourth clash between the two clubs this season, Victory holding a commanding 3-1-0 record across the contests.

Away goals are not factored into the aggregate score. Extra-time and penalties, if needed, will be played in the result of an aggregate draw across the two legs.

If Victory can continue their 16-game unbeaten streak, they’ll qualify for their seventh A-League Men Grand Final and first since 2018.

Player in focus

Jake Brimmer has scored in each of Victory’s last three games and is creating plenty of chances for himself and others in a breakout campaign for the 24-year-old.

Last time

Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 Semi-Final Leg One
Western United 0-1 Melbourne Victory
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
AAMI Park

Head to head

2021/22 Semi-Final Leg One (May 17): Western 0-1 Victory at AAMI Park.
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

Pre-match press conferences