Victory welcome back trio, Delpierre to miss another week

by Sean Ellicott 0

Melbourne Victory will welcome back a trio of stars for Saturday afternoon’s clash against Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium.

Besart Berisha has been named in Kevin Muscat’s 18-man-squad, having recovered from a groin strain suffered in last week’s FFA Cup quarter-final defeat to Perth Glory.

Defenders Adrian Leijer and Daniel Georgievski will also make a return, both serving out one-match suspensions after they were shown red in the same match.

Their inclusions will be a welcome return for Kevin Muscat, who was forced to field a makeshift back four in Monday night’s 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix.

Despite Melbourne registering its first clean sheet of the season, midfielders Mark Milligan and Leigh Broxham were shifted into the centre of defence, while 19-year-old Dylan Murnane occupied the left side.

Right-back Scott Galloway was the only player to retain his spot in the backline from Victory’s derby win in Round 3.

Centre-half Matthieu Delpierre will not be travelling to Newcastle, still sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Fellow defenders Jason Geria (ankle) and Nick Ansell (foot) are also unavailable, meaning either Broxham or Milligan will again take their place in defence.