On Friday, January 2, Melbourne Victory will face Perth Glory in Round 11 of the Isuzu UTE A-League. Kick-off is set for 7:35 PM AEDT at AAMI Park. Melbourne Victory enters this match after an impressive unbeaten December, where they secured 10 points from 12. This performance saw them finish the previous year in sixth place in the league standings.
Melbourne Victory’s Recent Success
Arthur Diles’ squad achieved three consecutive victories, including a dominant 5-1 win over Wellington Phoenix. This match highlighted their offensive power, particularly through striker Nikos Vergos, who scored a hat-trick. His early goals showcased his aerial strength, continuing his fine form following a brace against Adelaide United.
Key Players and Squad Updates
- Nikos Vergos: Currently leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.
- Joshua Rawlins: Provided crucial assists before leaving for international duty.
- Keegan Jelacic: Scored his third goal of the season against Wellington Phoenix.
Other players to watch include Juan Mata, who scored his first goal for the club this season. The squad for the upcoming match includes several key players but hinders the absence of Brendan Hamill and Reno Piscopo due to injuries, as well as Joshua Rawlins and Jordi Valadon on international duty.
Perth Glory’s Campaign and Recent Form
Perth Glory’s recent fortunes have improved under new coach Adam Griffiths, especially following their victory against Melbourne City. Griffiths aims to stabilize the team after a rocky start to the season. Tom Lawrence, their leading scorer, netted a hat-trick in that match, reflecting their attacking capabilities.
Previous Encounters
In their last six matchups, Melbourne Victory has dominated Perth Glory, winning five times and scoring at least two goals in each victory. The overall historical record now stands at 25 wins for Victory, 20 for Glory, alongside 12 draws.
Looking Ahead
As Melbourne Victory aims for a fourth consecutive victory, they seek to extend their successful run against Perth Glory. The outcome of this match will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the A-League.
Victory will look to continue their impressive form at home while Perth strives for consistency under their new management. Fans can expect an exciting encounter filled with skill and determination as these rivals meet again.
