Live Blog: Perth Glory vs. Melbourne Victory

Kevin Muscat's Melbourne Victory will be playing with a lot on their minds as they face Kenny Lowe's Perth Glory under stifling conditions at nib Stadium in Perth, Western Australia. The Victory are on a two-game losing streak, having lost identical 2-0 games to Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers. Meanwhile, the Glory are riding on a 2-1 victory over the lowly Central Coast Mariners but have a sharp turnaround this week. Victory's captain, Carl Valeri, may not be able to play football for awhile, as an inflammatory condition affecting his brain has left him sidelined since Nov. 28. This means that vice-captain Leigh Broxham will don the armband for the long haul. "Carl developed a medical condition two weeks ago that affects his balance and coordination. He had a viral upper respiratory tract infection in the week leading up to this," Melbourne Victory club doctor Dr Krishant Naidu said. "Carl had a progressive loss of balance and coordination and became unable to train. "He has had specialist reviews with an ear, nose and throat surgeon and a neurologist with extensive investigations. To date, these have revealed an inflammatory condition affecting part of his brain. The complete results of these tests will not be known for at least a further two weeks. These results will likely elucidate the exact nature of this illness. "Carl has had treatment for the inflammation and has responded with improvement in his balance and coordination. Carl will reintegrate into training in a graduated program as he continues to improve." Kickoff is scheduled for 2 a.m. PT/5 a.m. ET/6 p.m. AWST. The live blog begins at midnight PT/3 a.m. ET. Keep it right here on The Stoppage Time for more A-League and world football news.