A-League: Melbourne Victory Focus

Melbourne Victory will be looking to put a disappointing 2022/23 season behind them and bounce back in the campaign ahead.

Much was expected of them heading into last season after Tony Popovic guided them to second place on the ladder in his first season in charge.

But instead of challenging for the title they slid down the ladder and only just avoided the wooden spoon.

Victory are one of the biggest club’s in the A-League and will be expected to be in and around finals at the very least this season.

But as seems to be the case with Victory these days, anything is possible. But it is a massive season for Popovic and his players.

A-League history

Victory are one of the most successful teams in the history of the A-League when winning the grand final on four occasions.

However they have had a rough few seasons by their standards and their last Championship success came back in 2018.

Victory won the Premiership/Championship double in the 2014/15 season, under the leadership of Kevin Muscat, who also won the double as a player for the club.

Victory’s other Championship successes came in 2007 and 2009.

With Tony Popovic now in charge, Victory did make finals in the 2021/22 campaign, but could not go all the way, with Melbourne City completing the double.

Victory finished second from bottom on the ladder last season but will be looking to make a rapid rise once again.

They can be backed at 9.00 to win the A-League grand final.

Off-season transfers

There has been plenty of transfer activity at Melbourne Victory during the off-season, but as things stand they have not brought in any ‘marquee signings’.

They may have learnt their lesson after pushing the boat out to bring former Manchester United star Nani to the club.

The Portuguese ace struggled with form and fitness and did not make an impact. Nani has now left the club, along with the likes of Tomi Juric, Josh Brillante and Matt Acton.

As far as new signings are concerned, Victory have mainly gone with players that are tried and trusted in the A-League.

Talented forward Daniel Arzani has arrived from Macarthur, while Adama Traore has been signed from Western Sydney Wanderers.

Victory have brought in one exciting player from overseas. Former Napoli and Marseille forward Zinedine Machach arrives from Greek side Ionikos on a one-year deal.

The club have been boosted by the news that Roderick Miranda penned a new two-year deal, while Leigh Broxham re-signed for one more season.

Victory’s opening fixtures

Victory kick-off the season with a massive game against one of their big rivals Sydney FC.

The game which is known as the ‘Big Blue’ will take place at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday 21st October.

It would be a huge win for Victory if they can pull it off and they can be backed at 3.40 to do it.

The home side are the hot fancies at 2.00, while the draw is available at 3.75.

Victory then have three home games on the spin and it will be crucial they pick up points when Newcastle Jets, Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix visit AAMI Park.

To wrap up the month of November, Victory must travel to take on Macarthur FC.