Popovic warns Victory of Roar threat

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic has urged his side to be mindful of an upset when they face bottom side Brisbane in a rearranged A-League Men fixture on Monday.

Victory were meant to be the visitors on Friday night at the Roar but the game was postponed due to the severe weather in south-east Queensland.

Popovic's side will now instead host the Roar at AAMI Park.

While he conceded Brisbane had struggled this season, he warned his team that Warren Moon's men had enough quality to cause an upset.

"They've been very strong at home and they've picked up some very good results," Popovic said.

"They've had some bad results, from their point of view, away from home.

"With the accumulation of games you can have three bad games in seven days and the mood can change.

"We're playing at home and we've got to take the positive feelings from our last win and make it as difficult for them to get out of their sticky situation.

"We'll show them the respect they deserve but we want to make sure our attack is firing."

Victory defender Matthew Spiranovic is unlikely to feature due to a quad strain while Rai Marchan is edging closer to a return from a facial injury.

"He removed his braces in his mouth which is a big step for him," Popovic said.

"He's getting a lot closer now and he's unrestricted... He feels a lot happier and we've missed him.

"He does need to start eating a few steaks and it'll be good for him to get some solid food back into him and get back to doing what he loves doing."

As a result of the rearranged Roar fixture, Victory will have enjoyed a nine-day break between games.

That extended rest has been a rare one for Popovic's side who had to juggle COVID-19-enforced postponements along with their FFA Cup run.

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