Matthieu Delpierre Desperate to Join Mark Milligan in Melbourne's Quest for A-League Victory

Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC played out another thrilling 3 all draw over the weekend in what was one of, if not the most entertaining game of the A-League season so far. Though Melbourne may feel it was 2 points dropped after conceding a late goal to go with 2 penalties given against them. But the Visitors shouldn’t be too hard on themselves having taken their unbeaten run to four matches.

Melbourne’s awesome attack was on song again, while Mark Milligan’s return was another positive for the Victory. One man yet to re-join the action is defender Matthieu Delpierre. It was hoped the Frenchman would be back for the battle with the Sky Blues but the Victory are taking a cautious approach with the centre-back as he continues to regain full fitness after more than 3 months on the sideline due to injury. His presence in Melbourne’s defence will add a sternness to the Victory’s defence to compliment that superb strike power up front.

Delpierre Desperate to Retake the Field

Delpierre has been back in full training since the beginning of February and his return to the A-league appears just around the corner. The French defender hasn’t played since injuring a hamstring in the Victory’s FFA Cup Quarter final at the end of October but he subsequently developed a foot problem which prolonged his spell on the sideline. The 33 year old brings experience and composure to Melbourne’s backline and his team mates are hopeful the Bundesliga winner can add to his 3 A-League appearances soon. Melbourne’s off season recruit has even chipped in at the other end scoring 2 goals in 6 matches for the Victory, having netted once from 3 matches in the FFA cup; while he also got off the mark against Western Sydney in the league.

Milligan Makes Melbourne Return

Inspirational skipper Mark Milligan played his first match for Melbourne since December on Saturday night. The captain copped a three game suspension after elbowing Sydney FC’s Terry Antonis in the two sides’ previous encounter in round 10; before his absence was extended due to his Asian Cup commitments. The 29 year old was a strong performer for the Socceroos and Victory coach Kevin Muscat is hopeful now his skipper’s lifted silverware already this year he’ll be hungry for more trophies. Milligan’s rock solid in Melbourne’s midfield and leads from the front with his aggression.

The Victory are second on the ladder with 10 fixtures remaining but will go top of the table for 36 hours at least if they don’t lose to the Brisbane Roar on Friday night, with current leaders Perth not playing till Sunday. The double defending champions will pose a tough test for the Victory but having picked up 8 points from a possible 12 in their last 4 matches, the visitors will be confident at Suncorp Stadium.