The 37-year-old was given the honour by current skipper Adrian Leijer for Victory's must-win ACL clash at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Leijer explained the decision to step aside was a simple one to make as recognition for Muscat's telling contribution to the club.

"Kev's been our leader from day one, what he's done for football in this country and Melbourne Victory is second to none," Leijer said.

"It's his last game in Melbourne, it would nice for him to lead the team out with his kids and in front of his family in his home town. He deserves it."

Victory's hopes of progressing past the group stage remain alive after an away draw and home win over Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda.

Going into the penultimate group stage clash against the Japanese powerhouses, Victory sit bottom of Group E on four points, but only three off leaders Tianjin.

Leijer is well-aware how high the stakes are and believes Victory can beat a side who thumped them 5-1 in Osaka eight weeks ago.

"There's a lot on the line, it's one of those ones we need to win," Leijer said.

"Since the Gamba game there's been a lot of changes and we've got to use that in our favour. We're playing a different formation and I think that's benefiting us.

"Some of our football since he's (interim coach Mehmet Durakovic) taken over has been very good."

Victory go into the match without important trio Robbie Kruse, Grant Brebner and Surat Sukha through suspension.

Diogo Ferreira will replace Brebner in a midfield holding role, while Rody Vargas is expected to fill Sukha’s absence at left-back.

Costa Rican midfielder Marvin Angulo remains the favourite to replace Kruse on the right wing.