 |
|
One change forced on Melbourne [Thu Sep 1st, 2005]
Melbourne Victory have made only one change to the team that surprised all pundits with a 1-1 draw away against Sydney FC last week.
Defender Mark Byrnes is back from suspension and in for striker Archie Thompson, who will be on national team duty against the Solomon Islands on Saturday night.
Byrnes is expected to slot straight into the starting eleven, despite a solid performance by young Adrian Leijer in the opening round against Sydney.
"Mark was never dropped - he was merely suspended," said coach Ernie Merrick.
"Our first choice centre backs have performed magnificently in all our pre-season games, so there's no reason not to have Mark join Geoffrey Claeys in the heart of defence this week."
Merrick also looks set to continue with Muscat at left back and Carl Recchia at right back.
"Carl (Recchia) had an outstanding performance against Sydney and fully deserves to retain his spot. Our midfield did exceptionally well, as did Chris Tadrosse and Ricky Diaco when they came on."
When asked if there was any extra pressure on the team following the good result against Sydney, Merrick emphasised that the only pressure he faces is on performance, rather than results.
"We can't control the result of a match," he said. "All we can do is put in a good performance. The pressure is the same for every match because all the players have a job to do and a role to play. That applies home or away."
Despite the good result against Sydney, Merrick was still respectful of this week's opponent, Perth Glory – first round losers against the Central Coast Mariners.
"Perth have won 2 NSL Championships and made the final of the Pre-Season Cup. They have a really solid defence and have bolstered their attack with big Brian Deane from Sunderland. We certainly won't be taking Perth lightly and we look forward to a really enjoyable attacking game."
"It's an exciting, historic match for Melbourne Victory this weekend," Merrick said. "We certainly hope to see the Victorian football community out in force to see the game."
Melbourne Victory officials have urged fans to pre-book tickets to the match and arrive early, with 10,000 tickets already pre-sold for the 18,500 capacity stadium.
AAP
News headlines from around the world.