A-League: Melbourne Victory look to stay on roll against Sydney FC

Melbourne Victory are aware they’ll need to be at the very top of their game to upset A-League leaders Sydney FC.

Melbourne Victory players swamp Andrew Nabbout after his injury-time winner against Adelaide United last week. Picture: AAP

On a high after their comeback win over Adelaide United last Saturday, Melbourne Victory are aware they’ll need to be at the very top of their game to upset A-League leaders Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Victory have lost their two previous matches against the Sky Blues this season but their 2-1 win over the Reds moved them to within six points of the finals places, with interim coach Carlos Salvachua emphasising his team’s improvement since they last faced the reigning champions in January.

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“They are the best team in the league; it is clear, not just against us, against all the teams,” Salvachua said.

“It’s not easy for any team here in the A-League to beat them and now I think that we are in a better moment than five weeks ago.”

Salvachua emphasised his team couldn’t look beyond Saturday’s clash at Marvel Stadium.

“They are strong and they have the opportunity or the chance to lose games – five or six – and they will finish in the first position,” he said. “We don’t have this advantage – we have to win games but in our mind it’s just the next game.”

Victory will be without left back Adama Traore (hamstring), while Sydney welcome back Paulo Retre from suspension.

Despite a midweek Asian Champions League draw against Jeonbuk, last week’s Sydney derby loss to the Wanderers and the preceding ACL loss to Yokohama F. Marinos, Sydney FC boss Steve Corica was adamant his team was not suffering a dip in form.

“Obviously it’s a busy time for us, going from Champions League to A-League but the players have got to adapt to that and make sure we get results on both sides of the competition,” Corica said.

“I believe (Victory) are a good team, they have a good strike force and they got a very good win last week; their confidence will be nice and high now leading into this game.

“Our approach is the same – we are aware of the opposition but it’s all about us and how we want to play, how we defend and if we go into the game (with) high intensity and do our job correctly, then the result takes care of itself.”

AAP