Preview: Melbourne Victory Hosts Perth Glory in A-League Clash

MELBOURNE, Australia (Interstat) — A resurgent Melbourne Victory will look to extend its winning momentum against a struggling Perth Glory when the A-League rivals meet at home on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.

The Victory enter the New Year’s fixture in strong form, having secured three consecutive victories across all competitions. Their most recent result was a dominant 5-1 friendly win over Kampong Speu Province on Dec. 29. In league play, they have recorded narrow 1-0 wins over Melbourne City and Macarthur FC, along with a 2-1 victory at Adelaide United in their last three A-League matches.

Perth Glory, conversely, seeks to halt a three-match losing skid in the league. Despite a morale-boosting 3-1 away win against Melbourne City on Dec. 28, their A-League form has faltered with 1-0 losses to Sydney FC and Adelaide United preceding that result. Their attack has been stifled, failing to score in those two defeats.

The head-to-head record favors the hosts. In their most recent meeting on Oct. 31, Melbourne Victory secured a 2-0 away win over Perth. Glory’s last victory over Victory dates to earlier encounters.

Statistical analysis firm Interstat projects a 2-1 victory for Melbourne Victory in Friday’s contest.

Perth’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with a promising win over Melbourne City bookended by offensive droughts. Melbourne Victory has shown greater defensive solidity in recent weeks, key to their climb up the table.

The match will be a test of Perth’s ability to respond to adversity on the road against a confident Melbourne side playing in front of its home supporters. For the Victory, it represents an opportunity to solidify their standing and start 2026 with a statement victory.

Following this match, Melbourne Victory will host Western Sydney Wanderers on Jan. 10. Perth Glory returns home to face the Central Coast Mariners on Jan. 10.