Top-two finish in our own hands – Melbourne’s Leijer

Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer admits the club’s fate is in the players own hands as they strive for a top-two finish.

The reigning A-League champions currently sit third on the league table, two points behind leaders Gold Coast United and one point behind rivals Sydney FC, but have a game in hand from the Round 19 series of midweek fixtures (versus Wellington Phoenix on Tuesday 26 January).

Leijer is aware of the fact that the equation is a simple one for Melbourne – continue to win and they finish where they want to.

"It's a common term in football. You say it's in your own hands and it really is in our situation," Leijer said yesterday. "It's a massive opportunity and we'll be doing whatever we can to hopefully finish on top or in the top two."

The Victory take on arch enemies Adelaide United this Saturday at Etihad Stadium and despite having the wood over the Reds winning their past eight encounters and the fact they sit at the foot of the table has no bearing on how the Victory will come out for the clash.

"They've had a disappointing year and had a couple of bad injuries," Leijer said.

"But it's Adelaide and the Melbourne-Adelaide rivalry is always massive. Nothing will be different on Saturday night and it will be a game we'll have to be on our toes for.

"They'll be out there trying to make a point as well."