Honda close to Victory return
Marquee signing Keisuke Honda has given Melbourne Victory a boost by stepping up his training ahead of the clash with leaders Perth Glory.
The Japanese star may not be available for the crunch match at AAMI Park as he's still battling back from a hamstring problem.
We've missed his presence on the park, and even if he comes off the bench this weekend it'll be massive for us.
Thomas Deng
Honda scored five goals in his first eight games, but has been on the sidelines since 14th December. His initial comeback attempt received a setback when he was re-injured last month.
However, the 32-year-old returned to the training pitch for higher intensity running on Wednesday, and defender Thomas Deng said he was in contention to take on Perth.
"We've missed his presence on the park, and even if he comes off the bench this weekend it'll be massive for us," said the 21-year-old. "I'm missing him on my side, so it'd be a good return."
At the time of his initial injury, the former AC Milan star was Victory's joint leading scorer and led the club in chances created. He was also equal-second in terms of assists in the A-League.
Victory are set to be without captain Carl Valeri, who hobbled off during the 3-2 win over Central Coast with a hamstring injury and has not trained this week.
Swedish striker Ola Toivonen will step back into the starting team after being on the bench for the Mariners game due to soreness.
Kevin Muscat's side have recovered from losing their opening two games of the season - one of them to Perth - and are now four points behind the Glory in second spot.
Victory have only lost one of their past 15 matches, but have needed late comebacks recently.
They trailed 3-1 at home to Wellington last month, then in their last game against the Mariners they were 2-0 down at half-time.
Both times, goals in the last three minutes from Kosta Barbarouses rescued them, earning a 3-3 draw with the Phoenix and then last week's 3-2 success against Central Coast.
Melbourne Victory are 9/4 to win the Grand Final.
Victory are 6/5 to win their next game against Perth Glory, who are 21/10 with the draw 5/2.
View all Soccer betting
Marquee signing Keisuke Honda has given Melbourne Victory a boost by stepping up his training ahead of the clash with leaders Perth Glory.
The Japanese star may not be available for the crunch match at AAMI Park as he's still battling back from a hamstring problem.
We've missed his presence on the park, and even if he comes off the bench this weekend it'll be massive for us.
Thomas Deng
Honda scored five goals in his first eight games, but has been on the sidelines since 14th December. His initial comeback attempt received a setback when he was re-injured last month.
However, the 32-year-old returned to the training pitch for higher intensity running on Wednesday, and defender Thomas Deng said he was in contention to take on Perth.
"We've missed his presence on the park, and even if he comes off the bench this weekend it'll be massive for us," said the 21-year-old. "I'm missing him on my side, so it'd be a good return."
At the time of his initial injury, the former AC Milan star was Victory's joint leading scorer and led the club in chances created. He was also equal-second in terms of assists in the A-League.
Victory are set to be without captain Carl Valeri, who hobbled off during the 3-2 win over Central Coast with a hamstring injury and has not trained this week.
Swedish striker Ola Toivonen will step back into the starting team after being on the bench for the Mariners game due to soreness.
Kevin Muscat's side have recovered from losing their opening two games of the season - one of them to Perth - and are now four points behind the Glory in second spot.
Victory have only lost one of their past 15 matches, but have needed late comebacks recently.
They trailed 3-1 at home to Wellington last month, then in their last game against the Mariners they were 2-0 down at half-time.
Both times, goals in the last three minutes from Kosta Barbarouses rescued them, earning a 3-3 draw with the Phoenix and then last week's 3-2 success against Central Coast.
Melbourne Victory are 9/4 to win the Grand Final.
Victory are 6/5 to win their next game against Perth Glory, who are 21/10 with the draw 5/2.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
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