Editor
Perth Glory will be out to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches when they host Adelaide United this evening, as French international William Gallas makes his debut for the club. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
Five weeks ago Josep Gombau made the perfect start to his A-League coaching career, leading the Reds to a comprehensive 3-1 win over Perth at Hindmarsh Stadium in Round 1.
Since then the Spanish mentor has failed to win a game and languish in eighth spot, having taken just one point from their following four matches.
Tonight the Reds will be without centre-half Nigel Boogard, who is again suspended after being marched late in his side’s loss to Newcastle last Saturday night after an agricultural challenge on Emile Heskey.
Michael Zullo will be another key absentee from the Adelaide lineup due to Socceroos duty, with Cassio slotting in at left back.
Perth made an inauspicious start against the Phoenix in Christchurch last Saturday and found themselves behind within the first five minutes, but eventually worked their way back into the game to take a 1-1 draw, and potentially could have taken all three points.
Glory coach Alastair Edwards has included William Gallas in the squad, but the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender will take his place on the bench, after flying into Perth last weekend.
The home side’s talismanic striker Shane Smeltz will also be missing due to international commitments, and much will depend on Sidnei Sciola to provide a spark up front.
Today’s match will be played at 2.30pm local time and with temperatures well into the 30s, the outcome could be decided by who can adapt to the difficult conditions.
Edwards has steadily built confidence into this Perth outfit and they will expect to take three points here, but a desperate Adelaide might do enough to get a point here.