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Posted: 2017-05-03 09:24:33

An emboldened Melbourne Victory see Sydney FC's defence as "vulnerable" despite it conceding just 12 goals all season.

The Sky Blues have built their record-breaking season off their back men, led by Alex Wilkinson and goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

They've leaked just one goal since February, and only on one occasion in their 28 games this season have they conceded more than once; a 3-2 defeat of the Central Coast Mariners. It's an imperious record, but Victory creator-in-chief James Troisi says his team can find a way through.

"If you look at all our games [against Sydney this year], we've had quite a lot of opportunities, we just couldn't take them," he said on Wednesday. "I don't think it's near impenetrable. They are vulnerable."

Victory and Troisi have their swagger back after their shut-out of Brisbane Roar last Sunday. Troisi said their video analysis attracted a glowing review from coach Kevin Muscat, who described their performance as "selfless".

"That was one of the most impressive things about the Brisbane game. Defensively we were fantastic and they didn't cause us any troubles," he said. "With our attacking line and the support of our midfield and defence we're definitely going to create chances [in the grand final]."

The state of the Allianz Stadium playing surface remains a point of contention ahead of Sunday's decider.

The muddy pitch worried A-League chiefs enough to attempt a last-gasp shift of the Waratahs-Auckland Blues Super Rugby game due to be played at the venue on Saturday night. But that match will go ahead and, according to Troisi, so will Victory's aggressive game plan.

Muscat's side are renowned for keeping the ball on the deck in their build-up play, and Troisi says they will try to maintain that style despite the paddock awaiting them.

"It is what it is. We'll try and play our style of football on any conditions," he said. "It is going to be a bit more difficult. It's a little bit unfortunate. We want to play on good pitches week in, week out. We'll adjust and deal with it. It's the same for both teams." 

 AAP

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