Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Knights are looking to find their way back on the scoreboard after a string of losses put a fire underneath the side.
After a turbulent few weeks for the Knights, Round 12 marks the first round without outgoing head coach Ben Surey after parting ways with the Knights. This week sees Club captain Ivan Franjic step into the role as player/coach.
Currently, the Knights are sitting in 9th on the ladder, seven points out of the top six, with only three wins, two draws and six losses, not what they envisaged at the start of the season. The Knights enter the round on the back of three 1-0 losses. Never totally out of these matches, the Knights will be hoping to use the change in leadership to gain some momentum against the Thunder.
Dandenong Thunder find themselves in a similar position to the Knights, with the same number of wins, draws and losses and also sitting on 11 points, however, they’re two spots below on the table at 11th due to goal difference.
No doubt, the Thunder will come out firing in front of their home fans, looking to capitalise off the Knights change in leadership, their home support and their 3-0 win against St Albans Saints last week despite their 8-0 loss the week prior to Avondale FC.
The Knights and fans alike will want to pay attention to forwards Birkan Kirdar and Wade Dekker, both on four goals each this season and currently the Thunders leading goal scorers. Defensively, Daniel Alessi will be looking to fly under the radar of referee Ioannis Zisis, as he sits on four yellow cards after 11 matches played.
With a much-needed three points on the line for both sides, as we inch closer to the halfway point of the season, both sides will likely be hungry for the win.
If you fancy a bit of a road trip, grab your friends, and come down to George Andrews Reserve this Friday to support the Knights, with kick-off slated for 7:30 pm.
