Defender Rhys Williams believes Melbourne Victory’s hectic playing schedule over the last month has been a key reason behind their upturn in form.
Victory have been juggling midweek AFC Champions League fixtures with their regular exploits in the Hyundai A-League for the last five weeks.
And it’s coincided with a rich vein of form for Kevin Muscat’s troops, who are enjoying a five-game unbeaten run that began late last month with a 3-0 drubbing of Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
“Every player will tell you that it’s better to play games than to train,” Williams said.
“Like the boss always says, we’re match-hardened now, we’re getting 90 minutes in nearly twice a week.
“It’s great, we feel great for it and the results are showing but it will mean nothing if we don’t carry it on.”
The games are coming thick and fast, but that's to our advantage according to @rhysey14. #MVFC pic.twitter.com/AOcJDjmsm3
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 22, 2018
Up next for Victory is a tricky trip to Perth to face a Glory side desperately trying to stay in the mix for a finals spot.
Kenny Lowe’s men are currently eighth on the table, four points off the last finals spot with four rounds remaining.
Perth-born Williams is a former Glory player, so he’s well aware of what Victory is up against on Sunday.
“They’re a great side and a lot of teams struggle when they go there, but we’re in good form and hope to continue that,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a fortress but we’ve done it once already this season by beating them 2-0 and hopefully we can do that again.
“They’re fighting for the top six and we’re fighting to keep third so it’s going to be an interesting battle.
Victory are themselves eager to take all three points in the west as they look to consolidate third spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
They are without key attacker James Troisi for the clash, away on international duty for the Caltex Socceroos.
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
WHEN: Sunday, March 25 – kick-off 7pm AEDT
WHERE: nib Stadium, Perth
HOW TO WATCH: LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports 501
Click here for tickets to the match
