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Keisuke Honda is knocking on the door – literally – to engage in the Victory Victory clash against Wellington Phoenix on Friday night at AAMI Park.
The Japanese superstar was dismissed from the derby draw last Saturday because of stiffness in the lower back, but desperately needs to prove his form to Victory coach Kevin Muscat.
"He's in my office every morning this week to argue his case," Muscat said Thursday.
Honda takes Vic to a new level
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(19 points, 2nd)
(14 points, 5th)
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(17 points, 3rd)
(6 points, 9th)
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(11 points, 7th)
(12 points, 6th)
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(2 points, 10th)
(20 points, 1st)
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(9 points, 8th)
(14 points, 4th)
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(11 points, 7th)
(6 points, 9th)
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"The amount of work he has done this week to make himself available has been a pleasure to watch. It's better than it was last week, but we'll weigh everything up and make a decision on Friday. While Honda remains in doubt, Spanish midfielder Raul Baena, who has a hamstring problem, is back in the team with Muscat, not knowing where he will start. Terry Antonis, his compatriot midfielder, overcame the dread of a gluteused suffered in training.
The match is a meeting of the two most fit teams in the A league with champions Victory and Phoenix, undefeated champions, unbeaten in their last seven and four games, respectively.
On their last outing, Kiwi's team, who finished second on the team last season, crushed Brisbane Roar 4-1.
"It will be a good test for us and they will come here with a lot of confidence," said Muscat.
"They scored a few goals last week, so they are dangerous in the front third of the park, especially in the transition times," Muscat told the prospect of a new coach, Mark Rudan Wellington. season.
"There are big differences – first with their formations," Muscat said. "They play with five at the back and their fins are very aggressive and adventurous, they have a good base and have some speed in the team to cause problems for their team," he said. declared.
After giving up the opportunity by conceding a tying goal in the 92nd minute against Melbourne City, Victory can beat Perth on the standings with a win Friday night.
However, the Glory can recover the first place when it will go on the Central Coast Mariners on the eve of the new year.
"It's always nice to reach the top of the ladder," said Muscat. "But these things, like the result, are the result of all that leads to a performance – that's all I'm concerned about right now and if we perform well, we'll see where that takes us."
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