Melbourne Victory Men’s boss Arthur Diles is anticipating one of his side’s most important games of the season against Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park.
In the midst of the Club’s best form in the Isuzu UTE A-League since 2018, after securing a fourth win on the bounce over Perth Glory to start the new year, the Head Coach has prepared his side for a crucial test against the Wanderers this weekend.
Identifying the threat of Western Sydney and their talented playing group, he has been sure not to underestimate the league’s current bottom-placed team.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Diles previewed the fixture and what he anticipates from the visitors.
“We expect probably the toughest game we’ve had this year. We’ve got a lot of respect for them as a team, as a club. We know they’re hurting. I don’t believe they deserve to be [bottom of the league], they’re a better side than that.
“We’re expecting a big fight tomorrow. But we’ve got to keep improving, we’ve got to keep fighting like we have been. We’re part way of where we want to progress, and we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, and we’ve got to keep going.”
Set to play a fifth-consecutive game at AAMI Park on Saturday, January 10, kick-off 5pm AEDT, the gaffer noted the difference that playing in front of the supportive Victory faithful makes.
“It’s another rivalry, and with every week that’s gone by this last month, our crowds are getting stronger and louder, which is great.
“We love playing here in front of our fans. I think we’re one of the few clubs that have a real home ground advantage; we get our fans behind us in good numbers.
“Hopefully, tomorrow night they turn up again for this game, it’s another derby.”
Diles also provided an update on the team’s injury list, with some welcome returns in contention for their first appearances of the season.
“It’s good that we’ve got a lot of healthy bodies, which is great. Reno’s (Piscopo) back, (Franco) Lino’s up for selection as well.
“Piscopo’s fit enough to go, we know he can give us 30 to 45 minutes if need be.
“Roddy’s (Miranda) out, unfortunately. It’s a small strain of his hamstring, so he could be out for three or four weeks, depending on how well he progresses.
“Brendan Hamill’s not ready for selection yet. He’s training full-time with the team, which is great, but the process generally is that he needs at least four to five weeks of full training with the team before he’s up for selection.”
Watch Diles’ full press conference below.