Melbourne Victory have surged back onto the top of the A-League ladder on the back of tonight’s win against the Wellington Phoenix, and sent out an ominous warning to their rivals. They confirmed in emphatic fashion tonight that they do have the squad depth to challenge for a title.
FINAL SCORE:
Melbourne Victory 2
Wellington Phoenix 0
Melbourne Victory are flying high in the A-League but had their wings clipped by Perth Glory in the FFA Cup. Tonight they will look to put frustration behind they as they host the Wellington Phoenix. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEDT).
A week is a long time in football.
Last weekend Kevin Muscat’s men were revelling in the aftermath of a 5-2 thrashing of cross-town rivals, Melbourne City, now they enter tonight’s game having to back up after an extra-time loss to Perth Glory in the quarter finals of the FFA Cup.
For a team that is so ambitious, a loss is always hard to take, but having to play extra time, and finish the game with nine men due to two send-offs, only compounded their frustration.
All eyes will be on the Victory to see how they bounce back, and they will be out to send a statement to the rest of the A-League.
Standing in their way is the resurgent Wellington Phoenix.
The Phoenix have never beaten the Victory in Melbourne, but this encounter looms as the perfect time to end this drought.
The New Zealand based club are in good form having beaten the Mariners in Gosford, and thrashed the Jets at home in successive weeks.
Michael McGlinchey and Nathan Burns have been in strong form in recent times, and will have to play a key role again if the Phoenix are to break their duck.
How Melbourne can win:
Fatigued from the mid-week trip to Perth, and with key players Archie Thompson (illness), Besart Berisha (groin) and Matthieu Delpierre (hamstring) all facing an uphill battle to be fit, the Victory will have to do it the hard way if they are to get a result against the Phoenix.
Kevin Muscat will have to inspire a big effort from his troops if he is to get a win against his old boss Ernie Merrick.
How Wellington can win:
Last time the Phoenix were on the road against the Mariners they played perfect away team tactics by absorbing the early pressure and then countering when given the chance.
A repeat of that performance could easily lay the platform to end their horror run in the Victorian capital.
The Phoenix midfield will be crucial in this battle, and will need to deliver good early ball to their strikers if they are to snatch an early goal.
Likely Result:
The Victory have been heavily backed by the bookmakers, but there is a strong possibility that this could be the upset of the round.
Tip: Wellington 1-0 Melbourne
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
As usual Thompson shows vision and skill
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining The Roar's live blog tonight. Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The Victory have surged back onto the top of the A-League ladder on the back of tonight's win, and sent out an ominous warning to their rivals. They confirmed in emphatic fashion tonight that they do have the squad depth to challenge for a title.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Wellington's winless record in Melbourne continued with a 2-nil loss to the Melbourne Victory tonight. Goals to Finkler and Pain were enough to seal the points for the home side.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Victory 2 Phoenix 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
93' Brockie fires off a snap shot, and Coe takes no chances putting it out for a corner.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Barbarouses flashes wide - 4th official has indicated that there will be 4 minutes of stoppage time added on.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Victory make their third and final change - Finkler off, Brown on, and Victory fans don't need to panic about Valeri either, he's not injured but he's sick according to Zappone.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
86' Victory still pressing in search of that elusive third goal Victory 2 Phoenix 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Sub Phoenix Doyle on for Fenton
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
80' Durante and Fenton both pick up yellows.
Realfootball
Guest
Even on tv the atmosphere is amazing. Almost enough to make me consider moving to Melbourne. The active support at Victory, Sydney and Wanderers this season is very impressive. Top drawer international standard.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Finkler again shows his skill with the dead ball - Moss dives to show he has it covered, but it was off-target. Victory 2 Phoenix 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
75' free kick for the victory in a dangerous position. sub phoenix Lia off for Krishna on
BORED AT WORK
Guest
any idea on attendance numbers?
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
70' Phoenix have had the better running of this half, but haven't really done much with the ball.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
@jamesb so many seagulls - players doing well to avoid them.
jamesb
Guest
2-0 to Victory. More Pain for the Nix.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
68' GOAL Victory, Kevin Muscat looks like a genius as Pain scores with an excellent finish with his first touch of the ball. Thompson showed all his class with a lovely touch, and Pain did the rest with his pace. Victory 2 Phoenix 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
67' Valeri is also off for the Victory after picking up an injury. Makarounas on