Following their 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp, Melbourne Victory return in hopes of securing first position on the A-League ladder. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
Most of the pre-game chatter for Wednesday night’s fixture was based around Victory striker Besart Berisha, who was visiting Suncorp Stadium for the first time since winning the grand final with Brisbane in 2014.
Following a yellow card for a dirty tackle, Berisha didn’t disappoint onlookers as his brilliant volley in the 22nd minute gave the away side a 2-0 lead.
Brisbane hit back early in the second half through Socceroo Matt McKay. It wasn’t the most spectacular goal, serving more as evidence the Victory were suffering form the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Nathan Coe, who will also be unavailable for Saturday’s fixture.
The Victory have named midfielder Leigh Broxham to return to the squad after his injury during last week’s fixture against the Jets. Right back Scott Galloway has been promoted to the squad as coach Kevin Muscat is unsure of Jason Geria’s injury status.
For the Roar, coach Frans Thijssen believes his young-gun striker Brandon Borrello will be fit to play on Saturday after leaving the field injured on Wednesday evening.
A key match-up will be between Mark Milligan and Matt McKay. McKay was crucial in Wednesday’s fixture, while Milligan was quieter as a late inclusion in the no.10 jersey for the Victory. Both captains of their respective clubs and members of the Asian Cup-winning Socceroos squad, these midfielders will lead the way.
Prediction
Roar 2-2 Victory.
slane
Guest
I'm a Victory fan and there is no way we deserved that penalty. Hard to feel hard done by when we were gifted the win.
jamesb
Guest
Grand final at AAMI Park?
TK
Guest
Think you watched too many episodes of x files...is there a smoking man with a conspiracy? Just want to point out that suncorp should be free to host the grand final if it can't happen in a park in Melbourne somewhere...that is assuming brisbane make it through from 6th spot. I think we are fielding our U14s squad next week against the jets.
AZ_RBB
Guest
MVFC again getting the bad end of calls tonight. Hope this doesn't happen to them in the finals. That would just prove the agenda
James
Roar Guru
It's gotta be a bit embarrassing earning a yellow so soon after debuting.... don't think appealing helped though. he probably panicked.
James
Roar Guru
FULL TIME - Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory The Victory will return to AAMI Park next weekend where they'll take on the Mariners with the Premiers plate almost sealed under their belt. The Brisbane crowd is clearly not satisfied by the conditions of the Victory's win, a goal in the 45th minute due to a highly controversial penalty will make Roar fans wonder about what the result could've been with a more experienced lineup. Daniel Bowles of the Roar has been awarded Man of the Match. I'm James (@James01253), and hope you enjoyed The Roar's live coverage of tonight's A-League clash! Have a great night everyone!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Ben Williams.
James
Roar Guru
94' Petratos fires a shot from long-range as part of a last-ditch effort from the Roar, the shot has the power but lands in the hands of Thomas. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
92' Substitution for the Victory as Connor Pain is brought on for Berisha. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
90' + 4 Four minutes of added time at Suncorp, play is stopped as Polenz leaves the field injured. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
90' Yellow card to Thompson as Polenz is brought down by a slide tackle. Third yellow for the Victory in the last two minutes. Things becoming heated, yet it seems the Victory have the Premiers plate under their belt. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
87' Some more heated exchanges on the field as Berisha and Broxham are booked with yellow cards, yet the Victory are given the free-kick. Berisha booked for diving after he fell to the ground. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
86' Some push-and-shove between Solorzano and Berisha there, referee has a word to the both of them and neither team is penalised. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
83' With Jackson brought off the field following a head-clash with Milligan, youngster Luke Pavlou makes his A-League debut! Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
82' Milligan brought off the field for medical attention as his head bleeds following a head-clash during Finkler's free-kick. Lachlan Jackson of the Roar follows the Victory midfielder off the field as he too bleeds from the clash. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
Stevo
Roar Rookie
LOL, Yango appealing against the free kick. It was an obvious free. What's the lad smoking?
James
Roar Guru
80' And it's a yellow card for Yango, the debutant with just ten minutes on the clock in the A-League! Two players from each side now with a yellow card to their name in this fixture. A free-kick for the Victory in a dangerous area here. Finkler to take it. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
74' In just a few minutes we have Polenz committing another foul, this time on Khalfallah and the defender is again not shown a card. Just three yellow cards presented by the referee this match. Less than 20 minutes left here and the Victory look on their way to making it as A-League premiers. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
73' Within a minute of debuting in the A-League, Yango fouls Thompson as the Victory striker makes his way into the penalty box. Victory free-kick, no card shown to the debuting youngster. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory
James
Roar Guru
72' Substitution for the Roar with Patrick Theodore OFF for Abrahim Yango who makes his A-League debut tonight. Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory