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Can Melbourne turn finals heartbreak into ACL Victory?

Kevin Muscat is adamant Melbourne Victory’s taxing build-up and late arrival in China won’t affect performance as they attempt to seal qualification to the last 16 of the Asian Champions League.

Apr 19, 2016, updated Apr 19, 2016
Victory's Jason Geria is sent off during his side's Elimination Final loss to Brisbane Roar. Photo: Dave Hunt, AAP.

Victory's Jason Geria is sent off during his side's Elimination Final loss to Brisbane Roar. Photo: Dave Hunt, AAP.

Victory are one win away from securing passage to the continental tournament’s knockout phase, and can do so with a match to spare by beating Group G leaders Shanghai SIPG tonight.

But Muscat’s weary outfit will have to battle both heartbreak and fatigue against Sven-Goran Eriksson’s heavyweights, who have hardly lost a match in any competition since going down to Victory 2-1 in February’s ACL opener at AAMI Park.

Victory have endured a gruelling week featuring a trip to Wellington, an away ACL match in Korea with Suwon Bluewings and, finally, Friday’s devastating A-League elimination final loss to Brisbane.

But despite confirming Victory will not complete a familiarisation session on the Shanghai Stadium pitch, Muscat insisted he had a full and well-prepared squad.

“We don’t believe this will influence the outcome of the game,” Muscat said.

“It’s a different challenge for us, but the fact that we got here a little bit later than we normally would is not going to be a problem.

“We understand the importance of the game, with only two games remaining.

“We respect Shanghai and understand they’ve won the last three games in the group since they travelled to Melbourne.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but one that we look forward to.”

Shanghai’s star-studded attack including local Wu Lei, Brazilian Elkeson, Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan and Argentine Dario Conca are in full flight in the Chinese Super League and will be fancying their chances at home.

“We’ve watched Shanghai and understand their strengths,” Muscat said.

“They have many effective players in attack, so I’m sure during periods we will have to defend – and defend well.

“But certainly our way of playing will be to try and score. We understand we need to score here.”

-AAP

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