Leigh Broxham has labelled himself a 90% chance to line up in Melbourne Victory’s back four this Friday night as the club prepares to face the Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park.
The utility was forced into playing the majority of last week’s disappointing 4-0 derby defeat in the heart of defence after Nick Ansell was shown red and will again be expected to fulfil his defensive duties, with the continued absence of Adrian Leijer due to facial fractures.
“I think so,” Broxhman said when asked whether he’ll be starting in defence.
“The way we did some stuff today; I was back there and the boys in midfield did well, and we worked on some defensive stuff today so I think 90% that I’ll be there.”
Adding to Victory’s defensive woes, full back and make shift centre half Adama Traore failed to complete training, struggling with an ankle injury.
Broxham however was confident the Ivorian would feature in Friday nights contest, but selection headaches lie all over the park with captain Mark Milligan and Tom Rogic unavailable due to international duty.
Selection dilemmas aren’t the only problems Muscat and his men are facing, with an unsettled defence conceding a total of 31 goals in the last 13 games, including two 5-0 thrashings prior to last week’s derby.
“Obviously it’s not good enough,” Broxham said.
“Thats an area we need to work on and we are doing it today.
“Its been a positive response and everyone is doing well – I just don’t think anyone is hiding from it anymore and they’re well aware of what’s going on.”
Broxham outlined that last week’s result had all but been forgotten, shifting his attention towards this weekend’s must win fixture against fourth placed Central Coast Mariners, who are only above the Victory on goal difference.
“Its not easy [getting over the derby result].
“I suppose it was good to let it go because we’ve got another game in two days time.”
“Theres a big game on Friday for us where we have to get three points – its so congested at the moment with everyone winning, losing games and its tightened up a lot.”
Friday night sees Melbourne Victory return to the scene of their 4-0 derby hiding to take on Central Coast Mariners. Kick-off at AAMI Park is scheduled for 7:30pm