Preview: Melbourne Victory vs Chunnam Dragons

Melbourne Victory embarks on its maiden voyage into the realm of Asian competition tonight, hosting Korean FA Cup winners the Chunnam Dragons.

With 20,000 tickets sold and a relaxing of Telstra Dome rules for supporters, this should be a dramatic and memorable night.

There’s a whiff of confidence in the air. Ernie Merrick indicated earlier this week that he expects success in the Asian Champions League. For a coach fond of understatement, that’s a very bold proclamation.

Chunnam’s losing start to the K-League season last weekend may be further cause for optimism among Victory fans, but to be fair, they lost narrowly (2 – 1) to the K-League’s defending champions, Pohang Steelers (who, coincidentally, play host to Adelaide United tonight).

Of more concern to Chunnam coach Park Hang-seo – for whom Saturday’s match was his first in charge of the Dragons – will be the loss of captain and key defender Kwak Tae-hwi, who suffered an ankle injury against the Steelers. Kwak Tae-hwi, those of you who read my original preview of the Dragons may remember, has recently become a national hero in South Korea, after scoring twice for the national team.

Ernie Merrick has his own injury problems to deal with, most notably the loss of Carlos Hernandez. How effectively can the Victory machine operate without Hernandez, who was so instrumental in Melbourne’s late return to form? This will be a stern test for the Victory midfield, but it will be particularly important for Kaz Patafta, who I expect will figure heavily in the Costa Rican’s absence.

Grant Brebner’s removal from the squad list comes as little surprise. His addition in the first place appears to have been little more than a time-buying strategy to allow the club to bring in Tom Pondeljak, who did not officially join the Victory until late February. But Pondeljak will not be featuring tonight, as he is yet to train with the Victory.

Nick Ward has recovered recovered from his groin injury, and not a moment too soon. Hernandez’ absence only deepens the need for Ward who, like Hernandez, provided a much more incisive attacking thrust towards the end of the A-League season.

A few other questions hang over tonight’s match: Will Billy Celeski and Nathan Elasi get their Victory debut? Will Merrick use Adrian Caceres, or will he hand Evan Berger a more dominant role? How will he use Leandro Love, if he does at all?

Tonight’s match is critical, not least because it’s at home. Ernie Merrick wants two wins from two, and with Gamba Osaka hosting Chonburi FC tonight, it’s clear why round 1 is crucial. But I think Melbourne will be able to come away with a win tonight.

My prediction: Melbourne Victory 2, Chunnam Dragons 0

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