Melbourne Victory look to put 17-game ACL away winless streak behind them in Japan

LEIGH Broxham says Melbourne Victory must be streetwise if they are to pick up rare Asian Champions League points on the road against Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale this week.

Victory were no match for Shanghai in their latest overseas ACL trip.

LEIGH Broxham says Melbourne Victory must be streetwise if they are to pick up rare Asian Champions League points on the road on Wednesday.

Victory departed for Japan on Sunday morning, where they will take on last year’s J League champions Kawasaki Frontale at the Todoroki Athletics Stadium.

The Champions League hopes of both sides are on the line over the next week and a half, as the two teams — who both failed to win in their opening two games — will also meet at AAMI Park next Tuesday.

Victory has not won any of their previous ACL road trips.

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Breaking that duck in Kawasaki will be a tough ask against a side that was tipped to top the group before the competition started, only to see them drop games at home to Shanghai SIPG (1-0) and away to Ulsan Hyundai (2-1).

Victory drew 3-3 with Ulsan at AAMI Park on the first matchday before succumbing 4-1 to Shanghai a fortnight ago.

“In our history we generally lose one or two in the group stage, get a draw or two away from home,” Broxham said.

“They’re difficult games and matches in this competition are such different beasts depending on if you’re at home or away.

“What will be important will be winning our next two home games.

Victory were no match for Shanghai in their latest overseas ACL trip.

“It was a good draw against Ulsan a few weeks ago, but we need to pick up maximum points at AAMI.

“We’ve got to go to Japan and be smart, get something out of it and then the home games become crucial.”

Kawasaki is two games into their J League defence, winning their first game away to Jubilo Iwata 3-0 last Sunday before being held to a shock 1-1 draw by newly promoted Shonan Bellmare on Friday.

They will have the same amount of recovery time as Victory, who also last played on Friday, but doesn’t have to shake off a long trip.

But Broxham said Victory will arrive in Japan prepared.

Victory have got their A-League campaign back on track.

“We’ll get a couple of days in on the ground before we play,” he said.

“The time difference isn’t huge so that’s OK and the club is doing everything they can to make sure we’re getting our travel right. We get looked after well.

“We’ve watched them play, they’re a very good team, so it’s going to be tough.

“But we’re not going over there to lose, we’ll give it a go.”

Originally published as Melbourne Victory look to put 17-game ACL away winless streak behind them in Japan