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It’s a top-of-the-table clash when league leaders Perth Glory take on Wellington Phoenix at nib Stadium tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 9:30pm (AEDT).
This is Perth’s second consecutive top-of-the-table clash after last week’s controversial 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory, who at the time were second on the ladder.
It was the Glory’s fourth consecutive draw and they have gone seven games without a win, their last win coming against the Victory the day after the New Year’s Day. While they have been competitive, five points from seven games sees a stack of contenders hot on their heels, with just four points separating the top five teams.
Glory’s well-organised defence remains a strength, led by centre backs Michael Thwaite and Dino Djulbic. Rostyn Griffiths directs the defence sitting in front of the back four.
Last week they were happy to sacrifice possession and contain Victory. This showed in the stats, with Victory having 62 per cent possession and nearly 200 more passes.
The problem lately for the Glory has been an inability to create chances up forward.
Meanwhile the Phoenix have played some of their best football in the last two weeks, defeating top-five teams Victory and Adelaide.
The Phoenix shut down Adelaide and were finally rewarded for their good work with two late goals to seal an impressive 2-0 victory. The win was a reflection of the superb teamwork and organisation Ernie Merrick has instilled into this team. Their defence was superb as usual, led by a terrific performance from centre back Andrew Durante, who cut off Adelaide’s attacks with his superb reading of the play.
But the win was also the result of work rate of forwards such as Nathan Burns and Roy Krishna, who continually pressed high up the pitch and ensured Adelaide struggled to release their full backs into attacking positions.
The Phoenix again showed their superior fitness by finishing over the top of their opponents in the final 20 minutes.
Prediction
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 four home games. Their forwards have struggled to score and now confront one of the best defensive teams in the league.
The Phoenix are on a hot streak, having beaten two of the better teams. Their confidence would be sky high and ex-Jet striker Joel Griffiths has already proven to be an astute late-season pick-up, coming off the bench last week to break the scoreless deadlock against Adelaide.
With top spot up for grabs this will be a tough, fearless encounter. Perth need to be more disciplined than last week where they earned themselves six yellow cards and one red, or the well drilled and supremely fit Phoenix team will punish them.
Phoenix to get up 2-1 in what should be a ripper!
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