Last season’s finalists Melbourne Victory remain winless and face another tough challenge at home against a Western Sydney Wanderers outfit keen to get back to winning ways after successive draws. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm AEDT.
Viewed as title contenders at the start of the new season, the Victory have started slowly and are in desperate need of a win at home to kickstart a faltering campaign.
After a solid showing against Sydney FC in the opening round with a weakened squad, Melbourne have since gone on to suffer defeat to Melbourne City before drawing matches against Adelaide and the Central Coast.
Two defeats and two draws to begin the new A-League campaign is not what Kevin Muscat’s men had in mind after coming so close to winning it all last season.
On paper, there should be no excuses for Victory. Players such as Leroy George are quality as emphasised by his great goal against the Mariners courtesy of a wicked freekick.
If George can continue to build his form and showcase his undoubted potential, then Melbourne’s attack will cause the Wanderers defence significant problems.
Speaking of offensive prowess, the Wanderers have improved in this area with the signing of Riera. The Spaniard already has three goals next to his name in four matches this season and should be expected to feature prominently again tonight.
Indeed the Wanderers have instilled a Spanish aura into their squad of late with the announcement of Joseph Gombau as head coach. Gombau had previous success with Adelaide and was key in laying the philosophical foundation of tiki-taka football that allowed Adelaide to go on and win their maiden A-League championship two seasons ago.
Judging from Gombau’s previous stint at Adelaide United, the Wanderers should be expected to try and dominate possession and employ a more proactive approach in matches which should serve Riera and company well.
Prediction
The Wanderers have stuttered along in recent weeks courtesy of draws against Sydney and Newcastle. The draw against Sydney hurt the Wanderers given that they squandered a two goal advantage in a match they comfortably had under their control.
Overall, both teams have plenty to play for and matches between these two sides are eventful affairs. In a tight contest, expect a draw in an entertaining match.
Wanderers and Victory to draw 2-2.
Buddy
Guest
I think it might be more to do with the number of incidents and talking points arising from the game that made it more interesting for the neutral. I’d combine that with a larger and noisier crowd which all contributes. A send off, many bookings, a missed penalty, a VAR lowlight, a fightback by the 10 men of MV and a few other incidents tend to create more excitement and leave a lasting impression in spite of any impressions of quality. For me it was just another WSW display of not killing a game off when given ample opportunity. More of the same!
Nemesis
Guest
"It was a game made exciting by ... missed placed passes..." Passing accuracy MCY vs SYD: City = 76.9% Syd = 84% MVC vs WSW MVC = 72% WSW = 85.2% Hardly any significant difference in the match. But, tonight's match seems to have generated more interest & excitement for neutrals than the City vs Syd.
Buddy
Guest
I thought some of the activity emanated from the way the game was handled by Mr Green. As for VAR - it was truly appalling the way the penalty turned out. No excuse for missing it but how to kill a game with the help of TV!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
It was a game made exciting by the frenetic activity, missed placed passes, yellow cards and send off. Arnie would have disapproved of this playing style from both sides. Hardly sustained possession but mostly helter skelter. Great for the neutral :)
Buddy
Guest
Wanderers aiming to beat their record number of draws from lst season. A game made more exciting by some strange decisions from the referee. He sends off Mitch Austin but fails to notice the two footed lunging tackle by Milligan late in the second half and then in the second half tried to even up the ledger as far as yellow cards were concerned.
Kangajets
Guest
I think u meant Mitch Austin
tully101
Roar Guru
i hate the "he should get a warning first excuse" isnt that what the first yellow is about? should make it 3 to a red in that case
Alan
Roar Guru
The Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers have played out a stalemate at the Etihad, the match finishing one all despite the Victory playing with ten men for the majority of the match. In a tepid opening, neither side looked like creating chances until Blake Austin was sent off after earning his second booking. From there, the Wanderers began to dictate terms and opened the scoring through Riera who found the net with a good header. Riera however squandered a chance to double the advantage, having his penalty attempt saved by Thomas. The Victory keeper had a good game, making two additional vital saves in the second half to keep the Wanderers at bay. The Victory managed to equalise early in the second half with their only chance of stanza, with Deng making the most of a good delivery into the box to head home truly. Overall, a frustrating evening for both teams but the Wanderers will feel they let slip a real opportunity to secure the win against an opponent out of form. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Both teams with half openings here but poor touches or passes ruining things for either side. Four minutes to be added on. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Well it appears likely that the stuttering start to the season for both teams here looks set to continue. Victory of course have held on with ten men but wins are proving hard to come by for last season's finalists. Wanderers as well are struggling here after looking like world beaters against Sydney FC a few weeks ago in the first half. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Bonevacia with a shot from distance and the ball goes well wide of goal. Poor attempt. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Santalab booked for a late challenge on Geria. Both teams will leave frustrated tonight with the draw but the Wanderers in particular more so given the amount of chances they have squandered. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Jumpei with a good run into the area but his effort goes over the bar from close range again! Another chance gone begging for WSW! Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Wanderers holding on to possession. They have certainly created more chances tonight, particularly in the second half. Only have themselves to blame if they fail to take all three points this evening.. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Victory battling hard and a positive result here could ignite their season in a good way, given that they are a man down, conceded a penalty against a Wanderers team that have been wasteful in front of goal in the second half. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Matias Sanchez comes off for Athiu as the Victory make a change. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Wanderers still with the one man advantage but Victory fighting hard. Santalab now comes on to replace Cejudo who will be frustrated with his finishing tonight no question. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
64' - Victory have only really had the one chance in the second half but that chance was put away nicely by Deng and that's all that counts thus far. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
62' - The Wanderers have butchered some chances in the second half. Cejudo in particular should have had a double next to his name. Bonevacia hit the woodwork as well from inside the box. Thomas was ruled though to have touched the ball so it counts as a save. Thomas having a good game tonight for Victory. Victory 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
60' - Bonevacia now with a strike and the effort hits the woodwork! Goodness me! Chances galore in the second half for the Wanderers but they can't take advantage! Victory 1 Wanderers 1