MVFC Blog

The Melbourne Victory’s form at the Telstra Dome may not have been its best (the Victory had a better record away than at home last season), but this hasn’t done anything to dampen the spirits of what is bound to be a record-breaking 20,000 members. Perth may not be the most glorious (pardon the pun) opposition, but expect BIG crowds tomorrow night.

That crowd, undoubtedly, will be hoping for a repeat of the last time we played Perth at home: a decisive 1-0 victory thanks to a stunning Grant Brebner goal.

And frankly, the Victory ought to top that effort. Don’t get me wrong: the Glory have some fine talent in the likes of Leo Bertos and Nikita Rukavytsya. But their squad is thin at the back and the front, with defenders David Tarka and Hayden Foxe out due to injury. The absence of those two will probably see Jamie Harnwell return to his customary defensive role, leaving behind the attacking position he’d taken on in recent matches.

Ernie Merrick, of course, also has a few injury-related headaches to deal with. Ljubo Milicevic is set to be out of the squad for four weeks at least, while Archie Thompson is also somewhat doubtful. But Melbourne has what Perth doesn’t: depth. With Milicevic out, expect to see Matthew Kemp return to the first 11 and Steve Pantelidis find some game time. Leandro Love has also been added to the squad, and I would expect him to come on for Archie.

My prediction: Melbourne Victory 2, Perth Glory 0

What’s your tip?