Perth Glory will look to get back to winning way this afternoon when they host the unbeaten Melbourne Heart at nib Stadium. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 5.00pm AEDT.
The Glory have won their last three home games but are arriving off the back of a defeat to the Central Coast Mariners last week, while the Heart conjured up a frustrating draw in a match where they were left rueing missed opportunities.
However, form alone should not be solely analysed for this upcoming encounter as there are a number of key omissions from both squads which may prove the difference.
For the Heart defender Simon Colosimo is out serving a one match ban for a red card he received for a goal line handball in the previous match against the Wellington Phoenix. An act of Suarez-esque jugdement has left the Heart without a solid defender in Colosimo who has been in fine form, especially against the Victory in round one.
Conversely, Perth Glory are suffering up front with key man and potential game-changer Shane Smeltz recently ruled out due to a hamstring injury which he picked up on international duty and will see the Glory talisman ruled out for two weeks.
This could prove to be a telling exclusion for the Perth Glory as in their previous meetings with the Heart, Smeltz has been unstoppable.
In Perth’s upset 2-1 win at AAMI Park last season in round two, Smeltz scored a brace, following that performance up a year later in a recent pre-season friendly where the Glory beat Heart 5-0 and Smeltz again scored a first-half brace.
In this way it will be interesting to watch how Glory respond to their star exclusion, likely handing Billy Mehmet a start up front with the likes of Steve McGarry and Travis Dodd also at Ian Ferguson’s disposal.
The Glory coach has even commented on Smeltz’s injury, stating, “Smeltzy always has goals in him and you’re always going to miss that top quality of player who can change a game in a heartbeat.”
Unfortunately for the Glory the omissions do not end with Smeltz, as central defender Bas van den Brink has also been ruled out of the match sustaining a calf injury with his replacement being utility Steve Pantelidis.
There is no doubt this will be a lively encounter as both sides attempt to consolidate the starts they have made season eight and it will be difficult to look past the Glory who maintain an impressive home record, despite the fact they are missing their main striker.
But the Heart are playing impressive football and without their proverbial ‘bane’ playing against them I think they may cause an upset and finish victors 2-1.
Simon
Guest
I don't know if you do, but I play Fifa 13, and Zahra has amazing pace and a decent shot, they should play him definently.
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
Great result,the Glory looked very comfortable and in control today.We have a very cohesive unit that is going to be extremely difficult to beat.I hope that the likes of Zahra and Harold get a good run in the side this season,since the inception of the A-League exciting,pacey young players have been sorely missed from the side.Crowd was a little dissappointing but apparently there was issues getting tickets in the new stand,i've been told people were told it was sold out i don't know if anyone can shed some light on that.The new stand looks good though and has you right on top of the action,once the big new stand goes in its going to be a proper football stadium cant wait.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
I recall one close-ish chance in the first half at a free kick where Vukovic and a Heart player reached the loose ball at the same time, but apart from that my Freakoutometer did not twitch. We are having a surprisingly bad run with one-on-ones...
Stevo
Guest
Glanced off Billy's balding skull past Vrankovic and Bolton and sped into the far side netting before you could say boo. Woeful game from Heart but credit to Glory for making life absolutely difficult. Was Vukovic tested?
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Looking forwards to watching the replay - didn't see how the second goal even went in despite being like ten metres away...
Stevo
Guest
Me toooo!
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Better be a lot of crossing practice! Some of that drove me mental!
theod
Roar Rookie
2 corners 2 goals, really poor showing from the Heart, they've looked exhausted in the second half.
jamesb
Guest
with nib stadium, have they changed the colour of the seats behind the goals at one end? Perth having a few chances they should've put a better effort in
Stevo
Guest
If only David Willaims was a bit more productive with his crosses Heart would look a bit more threatening in the box.
DJW
Guest
How did Jacob burns get booked then ? He gets caught upper shin by Melbourne heart player with studs showing. Thats how legs get broken. Lucky to be on the park that Melbourne heart player. Referrers g standard is so poor in Australia. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Matty Johns might be hiding in one of those jerseys out there today - fair bit of biff in it. Sneaky/lucky goal but Perth seem to have a bit of pace and should be looking to whip in a number of flat crosses.
Stevo
Guest
Ouch, ugly goal to concede but Thwaite playing the villian. Hotting up on the pitch.
theod
Roar Rookie
fantastic double save from Bolton, Behich vs Risdon should be a good battle throughout the course of the match.
Stevo
Guest
Heart starting well. Panto in Fred's face already.
theod
Roar Rookie
I agree completey, a very exciting prospect.
AGO74
Guest
It's a construction site but it looks like NIB Stadium on completion will be a great football venue.