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Second-placed Western Sydney Wanderers tonight play Perth Glory, who will look for back-to-back wins under new boss Alistair Edwards. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
The decision to replace head coach Ian Ferguson with the up-and-coming Edwards bore fruit immediately last week as the FFA assistant technical director masterminded a win over league leaders Central Coast Mariners.
Edwards is trying to instil a curriculum-based philosophy at the club, which took a while to win over the fans last week.
But after persisting with the possession-based game, Perth were given a standing ovation as they exited the field. It may just be a new day for the Western Australian club.
Edwards stated with a 4-3-3 formation last week, using the pace of Chris Harold and Travis Dodd on the wings to service the ever-dangerous Shane Smeltz up front.
You would expect Edwards to leave his winning side unchanged for tonight.
With a strong squad including the likes of Smeltz, Liam Miler, Michael Thwaite and Josh Risdon, it’s about time Perth started playing some decent football. Edwards already looks a shrewd choice for the top job.
Meanwhile, the Wanderers juggernaught continues to roll on and with a home ground advantage, Tony Popovic’s side will be looking to take top spot.
Last week they managed an important away win to Melbourne Victory, with goals from their two imports Iacopo La Rocca and Shinji Ono.
With Tony Popovic committed to his squad rotation policy, it’s hard to know if tonight’s line-up will remain the same as last week.
However, we can expect the Wanderers to press the Glory, as has been a feature of their game all season.
They are now perhaps the best pressing side in the competition and will be looking to force turnovers against a Perth side still coming to terms with Edwards’ possession based philosophy.
While it is tempting to tip giant-killers Perth tonight, I expect the Wanderers to be too good for the Glory.
Popovic has had a week to prepare his squad for the new-look Perth side, and with league leaders Central Coast up against Melbourne Victory, a win could take them to the top of the ladder.
In front of their boisterous home crowd, the Wanderers are playing for more than just a win. Top spot by round 22 would be an unprecedented prize for a first-year club.
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