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Fourteen points separate seventh placed Melbourne City and table topping Perth Glory, but after slipping out of the top six last week City need all three points to remain in the hunt for their maiden finals appearance. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.00pm (AEDT).
Well into his second stint in Melbourne, it’s been a mixed season for John van’t Schip who hailed his team’s fighting spirit after last week’s draw against Wellington.
The nil all draw against the Phoenix was the second consecutive goalless draw for van’t Schip’s side but he refuses to be concerned and with Socceroo Josh Kennedy, David Williams and marquee Robert Koren, he certainly has the manpower to deliver goals.
City will be without Irish international Damien Duff who has most likely played his last game for the Club after being injured against the Phoenix. Duff’s injury only adds to the already long list of City players in the treatment room.
With Duff missing, van’t Schip welcomes back midfield enforcer Erik Paatalu from injury with Jonatan German also promoted while discarded Jets captain Kew Jaliens is inline to make his debut for City.
Overshadowing the Dutchman’s potential debut will be the unveiling of new benches leftover from the recent Asian Cup. The benches have undergone a makeover and replace the much maligned ‘Bunnings Chairs’ at grounds across Australia from this weekend.
Glory arrive in Melbourne winless in four games and facing serious challenges on their hold on top spot they need a result against City to hold off the challenges for at least another week.
It’s been an interesting few weeks for Kenny Lowe’s men.
Salary cap dramas remain and after escaping with a point against Adelaide, players Andy Keogh and Josh Risdon partied a little too hard and were arrested hours after the hard fought draw. The two were also reprimanded by the Glory and it remains to be seen what, if any, impact the drama surrounding the Club will have on the playing squad.
Glory captain, Michael Thwaite says the side can handle the pressure and will be out to prove they have moved on from the drama come Sunday.
In some good news for Glory fans, today’s game will see the return of young gun Daniel De Silva, playmaker Mitch Nicholls while defender Dino Djubilic returns from suspension.
Glory’s 14-week hold on the top spot is slipping, will City do their Melbourne neighbours a favour and push them over the edge? How will fans respond to new the player benches? To find out, join The Roar from 5.00pm (AEDT) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
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