Melbourne Victory teenage trio set to start in Asian Champions League clash with Shanghai SIPG
MELBOURNE Victory will unleash their pack of youths in Wednesday night’s Asian Champions League clash with Shanghai SIPG. And they’ll have to overcome one of the game’s brightest talents.
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MELBOURNE Victory will unleash their pack of youths in Wednesday night’s Asian Champions League clash against Chinese giants Shanghai SIPG.
Teenage trio Christian Theoharous, Josh Hope and Pierce Waring are almost certain to start together for the first time in their short careers as Kevin Muscat juggles Asian and A-League duties.
While Wednesday’s clash is technically a dead rubber with Victory unable to advance from Group F and SIPG sealing a knockout berth, the visitors are still playing for top spot.
Led by Brazil World Cup hopeful Hulk, the Chinese league leaders pose a huge threat despite leaving fellow Brazilian Oscar behind.
While Victory, who also host Adelaide United in Sunday’s elimination final, are out of the running Muscat said they were desperate to finish their Asian campaign on a high.
The likes of Besart Berisha, Leroy George, James Troisi and Carl Valeri will make rare appearances on the bench with Muscat set to switch to a 4-4-2 with Waring partnering Kenny Athiu.
“Yes, a lot of them (kids will play). There will be quite a few changes to the team that played on the weekend,’’ Muscat said.
“There will be opportunities for some players who’ve not played so much football recently.
“There’s certain things we factored in with the game and (Adelaide). But we’re treating game in isolation.
“It’s a good opportunity for individuals and the team to go out and put on a performance for themselves, the team and the club. I’m excited.
“We’ve always played with a philosophy of being free and attacking and that won’t change.
“Based on personnel we decide to play there might be an adjustment to allow players to play at their strengths. We’re still taking it seriously because the players that do come in deserve the chance to play in a meaningful game.”
Defender Rhys Williams is one of the few senior players set to start and he was looking for revenge against Hulk and Elkeson after SIPG after the 4-1 loss in February.
“That’s what football’s all about, coming up against those guys and good for them to come up here when they’ve (qualified),’’ Williams said..
“I’ve loved (the Champions league), it’s been a great challenge for myself and the team. I knew it would be good, it’s probably a bit better (standard) than I thought.
“We’re disappointed that we’ve not gone through, but it’s been a great learning curve.”
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Originally published as Melbourne Victory teenage trio set to start in Asian Champions League clash with Shanghai SIPG
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