Victory languish in 10th place in the 11-team A-League standings and make their first appearance since the post-COVID-19 shutdown when they face Western United harbouring slim hopes of breaking into the top six to secure a place in the Championship playoffs.

But Melbourne, who are also playing in the 2020 AFC Champions League, will have to face Mark Rudan’s side without the former Bayer Leverkusen man, who picked up an injury to his left knee that means he will play no part in what remains of the campaign.

The 2020 season was originally scheduled to begin in late February but postponed before a ball was kicked; however, a rejigged version with two groups of eight teams will begin on Saturday, with Group A based in Dalian and Group B in Suzhou.

Each side will play the other teams in their group twice before those finishing in the top four progress to a knockout round Championship Stage to decide the 2020 Chinese Super League winners, with the bottom four entering into a Relegation Stage where they will face off in a bid to avoid dropping into the second tier.

The Islamic Republic of Iran star scored once for the league champions in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rostov in the season finale to take his tally to 17 goals.

Despite commendable performances in their four games to date, the South Asian side have picked up just a solitary point – from last October’s meeting with India.

In a recent interview with FIFA.com, Day insisted his side could have collected more points given their solid showing thus far in the group stage.

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!

In fact, the former Honduras and Costa Rica head coach is determined to leave a lasting legacy on UAE football, with qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 his immediate target.

Pinto, speaking during his official presentation on Wednesday, said he is confident he will be able to steer UAE in the direction they desire.

Ozu Moreira was named the new head coach of the Japanese beach soccer national team on Thursday, taking over from Ruy Ramos.