Two narrow losses, with it two spirited performances leaves Melbourne Victory pointless after two games and second last on the W-League ladder.
But in this weeks opponents Newcastle Jets, the Victory enjoy what they may just be viewing as a winnable fixture within their inner circles.
Newcastle did what Melbourne couldn’t last week, successfully shutting out Perth Glory in a 0-0 draw last week.
That was our first look at the Jets for this season after enjoying a first round bye, with the club currently sitting sixth on the W-League ladder.
The Victory were trumped 2-1 by their cross-town rivals City; goals to Aivi Luik and Marianna Tabain were enough for the win, despite a late consolation to youngster Whitney Knight.
MATCH REPORT > Melbourne City 2 defeated Melbourne Victory 1
Confidence however will be relatively high in the camp given the positive performances of a number of their youngsters.
“We’re a young team so anything that we can take out of a game, we will and we’ll focus on those strong, positive points. But the girls know it’s a learning curve,” Melissa Barbieri told FFV Radio after the 2-1 defeat.
“Every week is about building on that platform and we’ve set the standard last week, set the standard again [on Sunday]. I can’t fault the girls, they’re putting in 100% and leaving nothing in the tank, look at them.”
READ MORE > Barbieri: Victoria wins “battle of the WNPL”
Selection News:
The biggest selection drama remains in the form of Victory’s fourth international spot, with American Christine Nairn returning from international duty this weekend.
Brooke Elby was signed on as a short-term replacement for Nairn and performed admirably in the defeat to City, but immediately makes way for her return.
With the America originally thought to have been the one to sign on full-time with the club as their final international, the club instead opted to sign fellow countrywomen Georgia Cloepfil, who despite being fit and training, is yet to be selected in a match-day squad.
Elby will not be available to play throughout the season unless one of the Victory’s four international spots are made available before next week’s game, with the W-League’s registration shut-off fast approaching.
In other selection news, Adriana Taranto misses through injury while Whitney Knight is omitted despite breaking her W-League duck on her competitive debut.
Coming back into the side is the aforementioned Nairn, as well as Matilda Hayley Raso and returning Melbourne Victory midfielder Cindy Lay on a short-term contract.
Key Players:
Christine Nairn
She played a more reserved role in midfield against Perth Glory, but could we see the American international freed up as the trequartista against the Jets? The knee injury to Selin Kuralay means that position is up for grabs and the creative force looks the most capable of taking up the position with Jess Pitts and Jamie Pollock shielding the midfield behind her. If not, she could pull the strings from the deep with MelindaJ Barbieri once again playing the second striker role, as she did against City.
Briar Palmer
The New Zealand international was given free reign as a left winger last week, but we’ll most likely see Palmer forced back into a left-back berth once more against the Jets. She’ll still be hoping to bring some attacking flair to the wing for her team but will have to be wary about the threat her opponent poses on the counter.
Predicted Line-up:
Substitutes: Cassandra Dimovski (GK), Melissa Taranto, MelindaJ Barbieri, Cindy Lay
Prediction:
This looks like a fantastic opportunity for Melbourne Victory to open their account for 2015 against an opponent who they should have covered fitness wise having played an extra game this season. If they can outrun the Jets, expect them to also outgun them. 2-1 win.