Will SBS ONE viewers see Victory overcome a horror opening-round hoodoo against Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night at 7.30pm AEDT?
In a surprising statistic for one of the league’s strongest clubs, Victory have tasted success on the opening weekend only once – and that was more than eight years ago.
Stats by Opta Data show Victory’s last opening round win came way back in season 2006/07 against Adelaide United on August 25, 2006.
Goals to now-coach Kevin Muscat from the penalty spot and second half substitute Brazilian Claudinho handed them a 2-0 win, on their way to winning the title that season.
While it’s a worrying trait heading into the new campaign, it is worth noting six of those results have been draws, including four against Sydney FC.
If there is to be a result on Friday night, expect the goals to come late on.
All seven goals scored in the three fixtures between the two sides last season all came after the half-time interval.
Victory playmaker Gui Finkler will be one for the Wanderers to watch, especially as the match heads towards the end. The Brazilian scored injury-time goals in both matches at AAMI Park last season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Jets face a tough task to beat Central Coast Mariners in the F3 derby, managing just three goals in their last 10 visits to Bluetongue Stadium.
The Jets have a diabolical record at their rivals’ home ground, with just one win from 16 matches.
It’s a similar story for Perth Glory, who face the grueling trek to Wellington, with just one win from 12 matches on away trips to the Phoenix.
