WATCH ADELAIDE UNITED v MELBOURNE VICTORY LIVE ON SBS ONE AND ONLINE ON FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER FROM 7.30PM AEDT

Milligan fronted up for training a little over 24 hours after watching Australia's 1-0 loss in Qatar from the sidelines - defying coach Kevin Muscat's message to rest.

But his desire to get back on the pitch could be rewarded with a starting position against Victory's original A-League rival Adelaide.

Saying the club had to be careful not to punish players called up for international duty, Muscat revealed Milligan's sharpness was startling.

"He made a big effort to get on the plane last night and get here and train this morning," Muscat said.

"I tried to give him the morning off, keep him away from the place but he wouldn't have it.

"He looked sharp and has obviously put his hand up to play."

While not revealing his hand, Muscat gave every indication on Thursday morning that Milligan would be in his line-up on Friday night.

That means changing a winning team - and one that looked like a strong A-League title contender after a 4-1 dismantling of Western Sydney Wanderers.

To start Milligan, either Leigh Broxham or Carl Valeri would need to shift out of central midfield - and most likely onto the bench.

The move would be tough on either player after both impressed against the Wanderers.

Broxham was immense, moving forward with Victory's attacking efforts but motoring back to counter the opposition when needed.

He capped his showing with Victory's third goal, while Valeri showed a steady and effective presence in front of the back four.

But it is these selection dilemmas that Muscat welcomes with a long A-League campaign ahead.

"The aim was to try and create competition for places and that's where we find ourselves... it's a good problem to have," he said.

"We'll sleep on things tonight and make a decision as late as (Friday) morning."

The meeting of Victory and Adelaide pits together the most impressive round one winners and the league's longest-running rivals.