Perth Glory
4
Match Complete
Wellington Phoenix
2
B. Fornaroli | 90' | |||
76' | G. Hooper | |||
K. Popovic | 74' | |||
71' | T. Payne | |||
68' | G. Hooper | |||
J. Chianese | 67' | |||
N. D'Agostino | 54' | |||
N. D'Agostino | 46' | |||
T. Mrcela | 43' | |||
36' | T. Payne | |||
J. Brimmer | 32' | |||
21' | J. Sotirio | |||
17' | C. Devlin |
21 | Shots | 13 | ||
7 | On Target | 3 | ||
18 | Fouls | 14 | ||
6 | Corners | 2 | ||
0 | Offsides | 2 | ||
0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
3 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
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Two of the A-League’s best sides lock horns on Friday night when Perth Glory host Wellington Phoenix. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:30pm (AEDT).
The Glory haven’t tasted defeat since November, but two draws in the past fortnight have raised a few question marks about Tony Popovic’s men.
The reigning premiers snoozed their way through a lifeless 0-0 draw away to Melbourne City, with only 6 shots for the match, before a far more entertaining affair against Melbourne Victory at home ended with the same result.
Unlike against City, though, the Glory were undoubtedly lucky to escape with a draw against the Victory, a 90th minute equaliser from Olyroos star Nicholas D’Agostino salvaging some pride from a match in which the men in purple were outplayed.
Having now lost star attacker Chris Ikonomidis for the season, and possibly for up to 12 months, with a knee injury, the Glory’s capabilities in front of goal have taken a significant hit, though the return of captain Diego Castro is certainly welcome.
The Phoenix’s recent form is every bit as impressive as the Glory’s – only once since November 3 have they lost a match, a 1-0 thriller away against the Brisbane Roar.
They were undoubtedly fortunate, though, to scrape a 2-1 win last week at home against Newcastle, the Jets dominating much of the game only to lapse at crucial moments.
Should the Phoenix add another win on the road this week and continue to rise up the ladder, the incredible late save from keeper Stefan Marinovic could well prove a season-definer.
Prediction
The Glory are heavy favourites for this one, but are they due a loss? At home, though, and against a battle-weary Phoenix outfit, they should be too strong.
Glory 2-1 Phoenix
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Time: 9:45pm (AEDT)
TV: Fox Sports 505
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel GO
Odds: Perth Glory $1.97, Draw $3.60, Wellington Phoenix $3.40
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