But it also gives the chance for Muscat to experiment with his attacking structure and pick two central strikers, Pierce Waring and Kenny Athiu, the duo leading the line in what will effectively be a 4-4-2 structure, with Terry Antonis anchoring midfield alongside Josh Hope. For years Victory has played a variation of 4-3-3, so to change shape now - if only in a one off game which has no consequence for their future in the competition - provides an interesting gloss on a dead rubber. Muscat admits its a difficult balance for the players who come, as they have to play with freedom and attack their highly credentialled opponents and ignore any fear or nerves they might have that this sort of game represents an audition to show if they have any future at the club. ''We are taking this game in isolation (and) there will be opportunities for some players who have maybe not played so much football recently. ''Its a good opportunity for individuals and the team to got out and put on a performance for themselves. There will be quite a few changes to the team that played on the weekend (the 1-0 loss to Premiers Plate winners Sydney).

''At the same time we are still taking it seriously. Players who do come in deserve the opportunity to play in a meaningful way,'' said Muscat. ''I don't want to stick people out there in a structure or individually that doesn't give them the opportunity to shine or perform well.'' The coach reflected on key incidents in the previous five group games which cost his team the chance to progress to the knockout stage, something they did achieve the last time they played in the ACL. ''Its been tough, if we look back there is always moment. You look back and think things that could have been different. Match day one, we draw 3-3 at home with Ulsan. The last 20 minutes we were really the dominant team and unfortunate not to come away with three points. That didn't help, it didn't get the competition off to a great start.'' Key defender Rhys Williams played in plenty of big games in the league and FA Cup during a decade in the English Championship, but he said he had learned plenty from his first exposure to the Asian Champions League.

''I have loved it. Its been a great challenge for myself and the team. Its been a great learning curve. ''I always knew it was going to be as good as it is, it's probably even a bit better than I thought. To play in it you realise how good it is. The group we were in was very tough as well. We were unlucky not to go through.'' He is not at all put out by the prospect of playing two games in four days. ''My history (his career has been plagued by injury) tells you that I have missed a lot of football, I don't like missing games at all.''