Three Key Talking Points – Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory

Three Key Talking Points – Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory

0
SHARE

Melbourne Victory look to solidify a finals football spot with a Saturday afternoon trip to face the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand

Melbourne looking to seal sixth

Kevin Muscat’s men head to New Zealand needing only a point to lock up sixth position and the final place in the A-League finals. That being said, although the Victory need just a draw to keep Sydney FC out of reach, a win is crucial in not only entering the post-season in the right way, but also making ground on Perth Glory and Western Sydney who are not entirely beyond doubt themselves. With the side having fallen down the ranks and the ladder and in return received much criticism, a win on the road will answer the critics and prove their triumph over the Wanderers was not a fluke.

READ MORE: A-League – Match Preview – Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory

Carl Valeri’s shock return 

Victory captain Carl Valeri was ruled out earlier in the season with a mild head injury that soon turned into a concerning condition which had medics stumped. In response, the skipper was forced to sit on the sidelines while Oliver Bozanic played in his place. However, pleasantly surprising news emerged from Melbourne this weekend with Valeri cleared for a return. With his absence affecting on field performances, and undoubtedly the team ethos, his comeback will add at least a mental boost in New Zealand – but it has to be asked, with Melbourne finally sorting out their mid-season slump, will the return negatively impact the side’s cohesion?

Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses 

When Melbourne run out this Saturday it will be Kosta Barbarouses and Gui Finkler’s first outing against Wellington since it was announced the duo will be headed across the ditch next season, giving a lot more meaning to the fixture. Not only will it be a chance for the departing stars to put on a show at their impending home crowd, but also give Ernie Merrick at taste of the talent he will have at his disposal in 2016-17. That said, both players are true professionals and will certainly give 100%, making the crowd’s reception and their fellow teammates’ reactions all the more interesting should they play a large role in the result.

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.