The 2-2 draw - Victory's second stalemate in three Asian Champions League (ACL) matches this season - left Kevin Muscat's side in a strong position to progress should they beat Kawasaki Frontale in the reverse fixture. 

While the J-League side are currently second in their league, coming off a comprehensive 3-0 win over Gamba Osaka, they've struggled so far in the ACL, with two losses before a solitary point against Victory.

Victory currently sit third in their group, with Shanghai SIPG runaway leaders with seven points from three matches. K-League oufit Ulsan Hyundai are second with five points, while Victory are third with two. 

With two home matches still to play to round off the group, a win against Kawasaki could see Victory steal vital momentum heading into the crucial away fixture against Ulsan. 

Midfield issues

Victory's one weakness heading into the match is the holding midfield position, with Matias Sanchez left out of the ACL squad and Carl Valeri suspended.

Valeri's form has been chequered so far this season in a problem position for Muscat. Josh Hope or Leigh Broxham are favoured to replace the Big V captain alongside Terry Antonis.

Danger men

Muscat says the match will probably end up a "shootout", so watch out for the J-League's second highest goalscorer this season, Kawasaki's Eduardo. 

Frontale arguably fielded a weakened side in their last match against Victory, so with their slim chances of qualification hanging on a win tonight, expect the return of Korean international keeper Jung Song-Ryong and veteran Kengo Nakamura. 

Ryota Oshima has also become a standout in midfield for the J-League side, breaking into the Japanese national team recently. His matchup against Victory's midfielders will be key in whether Kawasaki can control the tempo as they did in Japan.