Murray United hits the road for the first time this season and is in desperate need of three points against Melbourne City today.
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Elliot Jones has had a baptism of fire as coach with only one point coming from his first three games in charge.
However, six of the club’s 11 wins last season came away from home, so a trip down the highway mightn’t go astray.
Striker Zac Walker hasn’t been anywhere near his best, but is eager to open his season tally.
“The team isn’t quite the same as it was just yet and three games in and I’m on zero goals which is a bit frustrating,” Walker said.
“There was a game where I had to sacrifice what I’ve been there to do, but it’s all part and parcel of it.
“It’s our first away trip and we tend to travel well away from home.
“We made it a fortress at other people’s home grounds, which is something you don’t see often, but hopefully we can get the three points.”
Melbourne City’s NPL 2 outfit is an under 20s side, which Walker believes makes them more unpredictable than other teams.
“They’ve always got talent, but it’s sort of like a factory line, they keep coming in and you never know who you’re going to line up against,” he said.
“They’re young, talented and quick, but as long as we’re on our game with our aggression, we can win it.
“That will give us a chance to play our game as well.”
Centre back Ryan Giles returns from suspension for Murray and starting goalkeeper Abdulkerim Koc replaces Matt Mildren, but fellow centre back Halil Gur is still unavailable.
Gonzalo Freddi passed a fitness test at training and is a confirmed starter, while young gun Fletcher Caponecchia remains in the squad after an impressive debut last weekend.
Caponecchia, who was voted by his peers as Murray United’s under 18s player’s player last season, has slotted in seamlessly at senior level.
“I’ve been praising him for a long time because I think he’s so tenacious and so aggressive,” Walker said.
“He takes it up to Dunny (captain Ashley Dunn) and I and we’re both quite strong when it comes to being on the ball, but he’s knocked us off a a few times.
“I see big things coming for him.”
Kick-off is at 3pm at La Trobe University, Bundoora.