There will be plenty to keep an eye on in this Saturday’s game away to Sydney FC…
Grand Final rematch
Melbourne Victory’s last trip to Sydney took place almost eight months ago, on what would prove to be one of the most memorable away games in club history.
Goals from Amy Jackson and Catherine Zimmerman were ultimately enough to secure a 2-1 win over Sydney FC and a second-consecutive Championship for Jeff Hopkins’ side.
This weekend, Victory will have the opportunity to secure another significant win in Sydney, albeit at a different venue in the form of Cromer Park.
Although there is no silverware directly on offer this Saturday, the game is nonetheless a crucial one with both teams searching for their first win of the new campaign.
Sydney will no doubt be determined to avenge last season’s Grand Final defeat, whilst for Victory there is the chance to secure a third straight away win against the Sky Blues.
A chance to bounce back
Victory will be especially desperate for a positive result this weekend having suffered defeat in round 1 to Western United.
The shock 1-0 loss was far from an ideal start to Victory’s Championship defence, and has raised the pressure on the squad to get their new campaign rolling.
However, Victory have proven before that they have the ability from poor results and to raise their game when it matters, most notably last season.
This weekend offers a prime opportunity for Victory to reassert their position as the best team in the biggest moments.
The midfield combination
Elise Kellond-Knight played her first game in Victory colours last weekend and showed some promising signs of forming a formidable midfield partnership alongside last season’s Victory medallist Alex Chidiac.
Although the duo were unable to completely control the game last time out, owing largely to the difficult conditions, both will be looking to this weekend as an opportunity to show why they are one of the most highly rated midfield combinations in the Liberty A-League.
Supported by Tiffany Eliadis last weekend, if the Victory midfield can start flowing against Sydney, goals will become almost an inevitability.
A return to an unfamiliar venue
Saturday’s game will take place at Cromer Park in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Victory have only ever played two A-League Women’s games at the venue and are still in searching for their first Cromer Park win.
The previous game was played in the final round of the 2020/21 campaign almost 20 months ago.
The rare opportunity for a first A-League Women’s win at a venue adds an extra layer of incentive for Jeff Hopkins’ side, as if any were needed.
