Melbourne Victory resumes its Hyundai A-League season when it welcomes Brisbane Roar to Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
Summary
Due to its AFC Champions League commitments, Victory last played a league game on March 2.
With six Hyundai A-League games left this season, it returns to action with a clash against Brisbane.
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Victory is on a six-match winless run in all competitions, having suffered back-to-back defeats in the AFC Champions League.
Keisuke Honda marked his return to Japan with a goal on Tuesday, but Victory went down to Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1.
That defeat came despite a game in which Victory dominated possession and pushed for a winner before conceding late.
Honda’s goal was his seventh of the season in all competitions, with only Ola Toivonen and Kosta Barbarouses – who both have 11 – having scored more.
Midfielder Terry Antonis and defender Thomas Deng missed the Group F clash in Japan due to minor injuries.
Victory is aiming for a sweep of wins over Brisbane in a single season for the second time and first since 2014/15.
However, it will be without the suspended James Donachie and Deng, who is away with the Olyroos.
Player in focus
Last time
Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Round 15
Brisbane Roar 0-5 Melbourne Victory
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Barbarouses was the hero for Victory when the teams met in January.
The forward scored a hat-trick to go with goals from Toivonen and Storm Roux in a comprehensive win.
As it stands
Head to head
Round 15, 2018/19: Roar 0-5 Victory at Suncorp Stadium
Round 8, 2018/19: Roar 2-4 Victory at Suncorp Stadium
Round 20, 2017/18: Victory 1-2 Roar at AAMI Park
Round 11, 2017/18: Roar 1-2 Victory at Suncorp Stadium
Round 6, 2017/18: Victory 1-1 Roar at Marvel Stadium
Match details
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Kick-off: 7.50pm AEDT
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Matthew ACTON (GK), 2. Storm ROUX, 3. Corey BROWN, 4. Keisuke HONDA, 5. Georg NIEDERMEIER, 6. Leigh BROXHAM (Capt), 7. Kenny ATHIU, 8. Terry ANTONIS, 9. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10. James TROISI, 11.Ola TOIVONEN, 15. Raul BAENA, 16. Josh HOPE, 19. Rahmat AKBARI, 20. Lawrence THOMAS (GK), 21. Carl VALERI, 23. Jai INGHAM, 25. Anthony LESIOTIS.
*two to be omitted*
Ins: 5. Georh Niedermeier (returns from suspension), 19. Rahmat AKBARI (promoted), 21. Carl VALERI (return from injury)
Outs: 17. James DONACHIE (suspended), 14. Thomas DENG (Olyroos call-up)
Unavailable: 24. Elvis KAMSOBA (knee – TBC)
