Milligan to move as Victory eye win
Socceroo Mark Milligan looks set to move back into the midfield for Melbourne Victory’s visit to Western Sydney tonight as the changes continue.
Veteran Dino Djulbic, who was the only central defensive mainstay for Victory during his three-game stint, has left after his injury-replacement contract for James Donachie ended.
With Donachie still at least a week away from returning, Rhys Williams and Leigh Broxham appear the likely stopper pairing against the improving Wanderers at ANZ Stadium.
James Troisi’s suspension could see Terry Antonis, who impressed in his first Victory start last week, pushed forward into an attacking midfield role.
Stopper Thomas Deng will be assessed today after flying direct to Sydney from Olyroos duty, but at best would start on the bench having played 90 minutes just 48 hours earlier.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat conceded that Matt Acton could keep his spot despite Lawrence Thomas returning from injury, while he is eager to return Milligan (pictured) to midfield.
“We’ve looked at a number of situations where we might get Millsy back into midfield where he’s played well for us. If that can happen this week or not, we’re yet to decide, but that’s the long-term plan,” he said.
“He’s gone back and showed great leadership to settle the ship in a time of need.
“Whether we don’t really play with an out-and-out attacking midfielder. We’ve got the option of playing Terry there.”
The Victory head into the match fresh from a 3-2 win over Perth last week while the Wanderers played out a 1-1 draw against the Phoenix.