Melbourne Victory host Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on the back of their 4-2 Big Blue win. What are the biggest talking points ahead of the match?
Are we set for a goal-fest?
Even with former centre-back Kevin Muscat at the helm, Victory have not conceded copious amounts of goals and their style and tenacity lends itself thoroughly towards scoring, much like that of this season’s newly revamped Central Coast. Both sides tend to come out of the blocks firing with the intention of getting their opposition on the back foot as early as possible, which can gives teams an advantage as often as it leaves defences underprotected. With that in mind, round seven looks set to be opened with a high-energy all-attacking fixture.
Melbourne Victory pushing for first
Muscat’s men got off to a shaky title defence, being held by Adelaide United and falling to the Newcastle Jets. Since then, however, Victory have claimed the FFA Cup and toppled the high-flying Sky Blues to move within three points of first place with a game in hand. Confidence is no issue for Melbourne and returning home off a comprehensive win over their oldest rivals Sydney FC, the league’s most successful side will be even more hungry to complete their turnaround with a potential move to the top of the table.
What role will returning internationals play?
International duty once again wreaked havoc on the A-League last weekend, and while some teams crumbled without their key men, Melbourne Victory hardly looked bothered. With those players returning to the squad, Kevin Muscat now has a big decision to make: play his internationals despite their heavier fixtures and travel, or name an unchanged side and risk some of the less experienced players tiring.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
