Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat will tinker with his defence for Friday night’s clash with Perth Glory and is optimistic that key striker Archie Thompson will be fit enough to take his place in his team’s attacking line-up.

Victory has played some nice football in Muscat’s six weeks in charge, but the club hasn’t always got the results it might have, taking seven points out of a possible 18.

Kevin Muscat has been a pensive, restrained coach after an often colourful playing career. Credit:Getty Images

The rookie coach will look to stiffen his rearguard by bringing back specialist defender Jason Geria at right back, and moving Leigh Broxham, who played there in Sunday’s 2-1 home loss to Newcastle Jets, back into midfield, which is his natural position.

Broxham will partner skipper Mark Milligan in the centre of the park, meaning youngster Rashid Mahazi will drop to the bench.