The Wanderers can go four points clear at the top of the table with a win over Kevin Muscat’s Victory. Here’s everything you need to know for tonight’s blockbuster.
History
Played: 11
Won: 4
Draw: 2
Lost: 5
Venue
Wanderers are playing at AAMI Park in Melbourne so if you’re not in Melbourne tune into SBS2 at 7:40pm to watch live or check out the other options below.
Pirtek Stadium aside, AAMI Park is the Red & Black’s most familiar ground having played there nine times already in the club’s history, scoring 17 goals in the process. Only three times have the Wanderers lost at AAMI, with five wins and three draws the other results.
Team news
Brendan Hamill and Golgol Mebrahtu have both been promoted. Check out the full team list here.
Melbourne Victory
In a season where Victory won every trophy available in the country, it’s difficult not to look Kevin Muscat’s side’s current form as anything but severely underwhelming. The reigning premiers and champions were serenaded with audible boos following a 1-1 draw with Newcastle Jets last week, a result that means Victory’s place in the top six is by no means a certain thing, and a loss on their home turf to the Wanderers would significantly increase the air of dissatisfaction currently surrounding the navy blues.
This is a Victory side that oscillates between both extremes – take for instance that they were beaten 5-0 by Brisbane in Round 23 – the same side they hammered 4-0 back in Round 15, so the Wanderers will need to be on their guard, especially given Victory’s dire need of a performance with their finals hopes in jeopardy.
Besart Berisha has scored 16 goals this season, breaking the club’s record for most goals in a single season with a strike against Newcastle last weekend, and has scored seven in his last 12 meetings with the Wanderers.
Premiership Race
While Victory may be out of the race for the Premiership Plate, they can still be a major thorn in the Wanderers’ attempt to win their third piece of silverware in four seasons.
The Red & Black hold a slender one point lead over both Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar on the league ladder with Adelaide United a further point behind them. A slip-up is something the Wanderers can ill afford, especially with their rivals all playing teams outside of the top four this long weekend.
How to watch
If you’re not in Melbourne today you can get the match live on SBS 2 and Fox Sports 505 at 7.30pm AEST or listen live on 702 ABC Sydney & ABC Local Radio NSW, Grandstand Digital & Online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-League Live.
