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Perth Glory will be desperate to end their nine game winless streak when they host Western Sydney Wanderers at nib Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 9:30pm (AEDT).
Six points from the last nine games has seen Perth slide from top spot on the ladder to fourth. With fifth placed Adelaide United just a point behind the Glory are in danger of missing out on the top four altogether.
Last week they conceded an agonising injury-time equaliser against the Central Coast Mariners, but the Mariners thoroughly deserved the point as they were the superior team throughout, controlling the ball with 63 per cent possession for the game.
Once again the Glory midfield was disappointing and again striker Andy Keogh was left with little support and poor supply up-front.
Glory defender Michael Thwaite may be in some doubt with a thigh injury in what would be a big blow as he has been one of their more consistent performers this season. However goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is a welcome return after missing last week with a hip injury.
Both teams also have players unavailable due to international duty. Glory will be without Jamie McLaren and Danny De Silva. The Wanderers will be without the services of Tomi Juric and Matthew Spiranovic plus numerous injuries.
The Wanderers come off one of their most impressive performances of the year, defeating Brisbane Roar 4-1 on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium. The Wanderers were superbly led by Kerem Bulut, Romeo Castelen and Labinot Haliti.
However Brisbane was missing eight first-choice players from their team, either through injury or national duties. In fact the Roar were so short of players they resorted to starting midfielder Luke Brattan and right back Jamie Polenz in the middle of their defence.
Prediction
While Wednesday’s win against the Roar saw them move off the bottom of the table, last weekend’s loss to cellar dweller Newcastle Jets is a reminder that the Wanderers still have work to do.
The Jets used width on the wings to continually attack the Wanderers down the left side of the field, and the Wanderers midfield failed to assist their defenders.
They will need more discipline against the Glory, who for most of the season have had players with the skill to punish any poor defence.
However the Glory have looked toothless in attack since the new year. While they will desperate to end their winless streak, six draws from their past nine games means they have at least been competitive. If they can give Keogh the support he needs up front it could be enough to see off the Wanderers.
Perth are always tough at home, starting this season with six straight wins at nib stadium. But since the new year they have failed to win their past five home games.
Glory to win 2-1 in a tight one.
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