Melbourne Victory is looking to build on an improved performance when it hosts Sydney FC in the A-League on Easter Sunday.
Summary
Victory produced a better display as it played out a 1-1 draw with the table-topping Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Callum McManaman scored his third goal of the season with a fine finish following a pass from Jake Brimmer.
Victory midfielder Brimmer is tied for second for most chances created (35) in the A-League this season.
After the draw in Gosford, Victory will look to build on the display when it hosts the Sky Blues at AAMI Park.
While Victory earned a point against the Mariners, it is aiming to end a five-game winless run.
In a boost, Victory saw defenders Ryan Shotton and Dylan Ryan make their returns from injury against the Mariners.
However, captain Leigh Broxham missed the clash due to injury.
Player in focus
Last time
A-League 2019/20
Melbourne Victory 1-4 Sydney FC
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
The teams last met more than a year ago.
Marco Rojas put Victory ahead, but after Milos Ninkovic cancelled out his opener, Sydney claimed its win thanks to goals from Anthony Caceres, Adam le Fondre and Kosta Barbarouses, while Tim Hoogland was sent off.
As it stands
Head to head
Round 22, 2019/20: Victory 1-4 Sydney at Marvel Stadium
Round 16, 2019/20: Victory 0-3 Sydney at AAMI Park
Round 6, 2019/20: Sydney 2-1 Victory at Jubilee Stadium
Semi Final, 2018/19: Sydney 6-1 Victory at Jubilee Stadium
Round 24, 2018/19: Sydney 2-1 Victory at the SCG
Match details
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEST
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Matt ACTON (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Adama TRAORE, 4.Nick ANSELL, 7.Callum McMANAMAN, 8.Jacob BUTTERFIELD, 10.Robbie KRUSE, 11. Ben FOLAMI, 13.Birkan KIRDAR, 14.Jay BARNETT, 15, Aaron ANDERSON, 16.Brandon LAUTON, 17.Elvis KAMSOBA, 19.Dylan RYAN, 20.Max CROCOMBE (gk), 22.Jacob BRIMMER, 25.Luis LAWRIE-LATTANZIO, 26. Lleyton BROOKS, 33.Dalibor MARKOVIC, 35. Zaydan BELLO.
**2-4 to be omitted**
In: Brandon LAUTON (promoted)
Out: 5.Ryan SHOTTON (injured)
Unavailable: Leigh BROXHAM (injured) Rudy GESTEDE (injured) Marco ROJAS (injured)
