Western Sydney Wanderer Brendon Santalab has turned up the heat on Melbourne Victory ahead of his side’s giant meeting with the reigning champions on Saturday night.
The Victory are coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to Perth Glory in the west, having fought from behind with 10 men after the dismissal of Fahid Ben Khalfallah.
The Wanderers, meanwhile, are back to winning ways after suffering two straight defeats, defeating Melbourne City 4-3 in a thrilling contest last time out.
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Victory’s defeat left them six points behind the first-placed Wanderers on 27 points, who increased the gap to six with a win over City, and Santalab says all the pressure is on their shoulders to bridge the gulf.
“We’ve prepared well again this week and are very excited to face the Victory after last week’s win, which we probably should have won a little bit more comfortably,” Santalab said.
“(The squad) is feeling good and full of confidence.
“I feel as though all the pressure’s on the Victory this week.
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“Last week, 3-2 loss in Perth and with the ACL campaign coming up and their hectic schedule, I feel as though all the pressure’s on Melbourne Victory.
“That (WSW’s 2-0 win over the Victory at Pirtek Stadium) was a while ago and we’ll look to the same strategy against the Victory this week.”
Khalfallah is suspended for the match after his controversial red card was upheld by the FFA’s Match Review Panel. Santalab believes the Tunisian’s absence will make a difference to Victory’s fearsome attack on the night.
“We know that their front three are very dangerous so if we can limit them and restrict them, I think we’ll put ourselves in a good position.”
“Definitely (Khalfallah’s absence will have an effect), he’s lethal.
“The combination with Khalfallah and Berisha has been dangerous for a long time and they’ll miss him.”
The match kicks off at 7:30 pm at Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening with a healthy crowd expected for the heavyweight contest.
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