We travel down to Victoria today to take on Melbourne Victory on Friday night in a match that will be shown live on SBS ONE and Fox Sports 1 from 7:40pm.
With last season’s matches between us memorable for many different reasons, most notably last minute winners and one-goal thrillers, history suggests the opening match of the Hyundai A-League will be an exciting encounter.
If previous form is anything to go by late drama looks certain with all seven of last season’s goals coming in the second half which included three after the 90 minute mark – unfortunately Melbourne’s Gui Finkler scored two of them.
Putting that aside, we’ve scored in each of our previous five match against the boys in blue while they have conceded each of their last eight home matches (against all opposition).
Despite leaking goals Victory still managed to remain unbeaten in four of those home games but as notorious slow-starters (they have failed to win any of their past seven opening round fixtures), they could be vulnerable.
With our run to the AFC Champions League Final we’re in good form heading into this match but with Tomi Juric, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Matthew Spiranovic unavailable we will have to be wary of the dangerous Victory who have added last season’s Grand Final villain Besart Berisha to their already impressive attacking ranks.
Be sure to keep your eye on Romeo Castelen – our new Dutch flyer has come off his best season in five years and is chomping at the bit to tear A-League defences apart.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Melbourne the match is held at Etihad Stadium otherwise make sure you’re in front of SBS ONE or Fox Sports 1 when the match kicks-off at 7:30pm on Friday.
Go Wanderers!
