Melbourne Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic is not concerned about his side’s poor record against Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle are the only team in the Hyundai A-League with a winning record against Melbourne and Victory head to Ausgrid Stadium on Saturday night having won just twice at the venue from nine attempts.
But Durakovic does not read too much into the history of the two clubs and is confident his charges won’t be leaving Newcastle empty handed.
“Newcastle have always been very difficult to beat at home,” Durakovic said after Victory training on Friday.
“Their supporters are really close to the touchline and the atmosphere is fantastic.”
“They play some good football, so it should be a good game.”
“But we are looking forward to coming back with a good result.”
Victory’s three matches following the Jets clash are all in Melbourne, so a point away from home on Saturday could be perceived as a good result.
But Durakovic said his team will travel north looking to claim all three points.
“We will go there (Newcastle) with the intent to win the game,” he said.
“It is always hard up there so we will be doing our best to get a result.”
“We have just got to concentrate on our job, on what we have to do and how we want to play.”
“We have got jobs to do and everyone knows their jobs and we will work hard on the pitch.”
Durakovic has forecasted minimal changes to Victory’s starting XI that defeated Gold Coast United 3-2 on Sunday, with Peter Franjic set to come into the line-up to replace the suspended Rody Vargas.
Defender Fabio has shaken off his ankle complaint and will start, while veteran striker Danny Allsopp will travel north with the squad.
Utility Matthew Kemp is out with a groin strain, while exciting youngster Jean Carlos Solorzano will play for Victory’s youth side as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
