ACL MD4 - Group G: Suwon Samsung v Melbourne Victory preview

Published on: 05 April 2016

Suwon: Suwon Samsung Bluewings coach Seo Jung-won knows that nothing less than three points will do at home to Melbourne Victory on Wednesday in their vital Group G clash in the AFC Champions League.

The Korea Republic team has collected just two points from the opening three games to sit bottom of the group and they are in need of a win to kick-start their continental campaign.

A 2-1 victory over Sanju Sangmu on Saturday did end a winless 2016 season so far which had seen Suwon post five consecutive games without a victory, three of those coming in the AFC Champions League.

It started with a frustrating goalless draw at home to Gamba Osaka, then came a 2-1 loss at Shanghai SIPG. Three weeks ago, coach Seo rested a number of his regular starters for the long trip to Australia and was rewarded with an encouraging 0-0 draw.

“Of course, this is a really important game. We have to take the three points and will try everything in order to get them. If we can do so, the last 16 will still be in sight for us,” said Suwon coach Seo.

“The young players came away with a good point in Melbourne but we will have our best members in the team for this game.

“Melbourne are strong in the centre and also out wide. I think we have to be very careful but if our defence is able to stop the threat then that will give us a platform to build on.”

Melbourne arrive in Korea Republic on the back of two straight wins in the A-League that have sealed their place in the end of season play-off series and they can fully focus on trying to reach the knockout stage of the continental competition for the first time in their history.

The Australians currently sit in second place in the Group G with five points, one behind leaders Shanghai.

“That game at home was a frustrating one for us so we are looking to win this game,” said Melbourne coach Kevin Muscat, who saw his side defeat Wellington Phoenix 4-1 on Saturday.

“We have looked closely at our opponent’s counter-attacking game and we’re convinced this game with Suwon will be different than the last one.

“If we keep our concentration, we can get a good result.”

Photo: Lagardère Sports

 

Source: the-afc.com

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