FTS A-League Round 2 Preview: Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar
Perth Glory will go into their first home game of the season full of confidence, even if they’re up against the reigning champions Brisbane Roar. A 2-1 win away win in Wellington (a rarity for the Glory) got their campaign off to a flying start. Goals from new signing Andy Keogh and Jamie McLaren, either side of an equalizer from the Phoenix’s Michael McGlinchy, saw them snatch victory in New Zealand.
Brisbane on the other hand, will be aiming to avoid back to back defeats to start their title defence following their 2-1 loss at home to Adelaide. Even though Thomas Broich’s free kick gave them an early lead, they were pegged back by a Bruce Djite thunderbolt and an own-goal by James Donachie. To make matters worse, captain Matt McKay was given his marching orders in the second half to further compound a miserable day for the Roar.
After last week’s loss, Brisbane will once again look to their talisman Broich to control the game. Even without McKay, their midfield is still one of the strongest in the league and will hold the key to victory for the visitors. They’ll face a stern test in the middle of the park, with former Brisbane boy Mitch Nichols aiming to pick up from where he left off against the Phoenix for the hosts.
Head to Head:
Played: (28). Perth Glory: (5). Draw: (6). Brisbane Roar: (17).
Last Meeting:
28/02/14 at Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane Roar 3 defeated Perth Glory 1
Form Guide:
Perth Glory: LDLLW Brisbane Roar: WWLDL
Eyes On…
Mitch Nichols. Great against Wellington, he now faces his former teammates at his new home in Perth. He supplied a lovely cross for Keogh to nod home last week, and the Glory will need more of the same if they are to prevail over the Roar. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a few heavy tackles from his former friends to try and unsettle him and knock him off his stride.
Absentee List:
Perth Glory: Ruben Zadkovich (back – 1 week), Sidnei Sciola (calf – 3 weeks)
Brisbane Roar: Michael Theo (wrist – 8 weeks), Matt McKay (suspension – 2 matches), Corey Brown (rib – 1 week), George Lambadarisis (knee – 4 weeks)
Possible XI
Perth Glory (4-2-3-1): Vukovic; Risdon, Djulbic, Thwaite, Jamieson; Griffiths, Marinkovic; Garcia, Nichols, Hersi; Keogh.
Brisbane Roar (4-3-3): Young; Donachie, North, Smith, Stefanutto; Brattan, Miller, Sarota; Petratos, Kurtishi, Broich.
Prediction
Glory looked solid last week, although at times they did struggle against the Phoenix, who will feel like a draw was the fair result. Now at home, in front of their fans, they’ll be desperate to build on last week against a team who they have traditionally fared poorly. The Roar will be keen to move on from last week’s loss and get their quest for another championship up and running. Away from home though, they may find it tough against a much-improved Glory side from last year. Draw 1-1.
FTSAUS Fact
- Perth has managed just two home victories against Brisbane in 13 clashes.
- Last week’s home loss to Adelaide was the first time the Roar had lost on the opening day of the season since 2009 (to Gold Coast)
