Bragging rights are on the line when Western United host Melbourne Victory in the third instalment of the Battle of the Bridge on Friday, May 28.
Victory are yet to beat their local rivals in five attempts since the Green and Black entered the league for the 2019/20 campaign. United have won four of those five fixtures, including a remarkable 4-3 triumph in Matchweek 10 decided by a stoppage time Victor Sánchez winner.
Tenth-placed United are looking to rebound after losing 3-0 to Wellington Phoenix last time out. The result all but ended the possibility of Mark Rudan’s side making the Finals Series, but a top-six finish is still a mathematic possibility heading into Matchweek 23.
The AAMI Park fixture, which will take place without a crowd after the Victorian Government’s recently announced seven-day lockdown, offers Victory the chance to end their seven-game winless run which has produced just one point.
READ: A-League 2020/21 Fixture Updates – Matchweek 23
Match details
Western United v Melbourne Victory
Friday, May 28 2021
Venue: AAMI Park
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEST
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
Match Centre
READ: Hill, Brosque reflect on unforgettable Phoenix win on SEN’s ‘The Global Game’
Team news
Western United squad: 1.Filip KURTO (gk), 2. Aaron CALVER, 3.Brendan HAMILL 4.Andrew DURANTE, 5.Dylan PIERIAS, 6.Tomoki IMAI, 7.Besart BERISHA, 8.Lachlan WALES, 9. Kaine SHEPPARD, 10.Steven LUSTICA, 11.Connor PAIN, 13. Ivan VUJICA, 21.Sebastian PASQUALI, 22.Tomislav USKOK, 23.Alessandro DIAMANTI (c), 25.Luke DUZEL, 26. Nicolas MILANOVIC, 30.Ryan SCOTT (gk), 31. Adisu BAYEW, 34.Iker GUARROTXENA
**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 26. Nicolas MILANOVIC, 2. Aaron CALVER (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 17. Bradden INMAN (hamstring), 12. Dalibor MARKOVIC (ankle), 19. Joshua RISDON (Foot), 20. Victor SANCHEZ (calf)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Matt ACTON (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Adama TRAORE, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Callum McMANAMAN, 8.Jacob BUTTERFIELD, 9.Rudy GESTEDE, 11.Ben FOLAMI, 14.Jay BARNETT, 16.Brandon LAUTON, 17.Elvis KAMSOBA, 19.Dylan RYAN, 20.Max CROCOMBE (gk), 22.Jacob BRIMMER, 26.Lleyton BROOKS, 29.Nishan VELUPILLAY, 34.Gianluca IANNUCCI, 35.Zayden BELLO
**0-1 to be omitted**
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 4.Nick ANSELL (injured – hamstring), 10.Robbie KRUSE (injured – ankle), 13.Birkan KIRDAR (illness), 15.Aaron ANDERSON (injured – groin tightness), 23.Marco ROJAS (injured – ankle)
How to follow the action
Match Centre: Live updates, videos and statistics
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