FTS A-League Round 9 Preview: Sydney FC vs. Perth Glory
The First Thursday night game of the season (Yay) sees Sydney Fc host top of the table Perth Glory. The hosts Sydney Fc come into the game hoping to put the recent Sydney derby performance behind them while Perth continue their mini East Coast road trip having drawing with Brisbane at Suncorp on Saturday.
Not much went right for the Sky Blues in the derby. They were outplayed for the majority and were lucky to come out of the fixture with a 1-1 draw. Most worryingly is one of their best performers Ali Abbas now faces an extended period on the sidelines having torn his ACL and MCL. However there were bright spots with Bernie Ibini scoring a wonder goal which shifted the balance of the game. From that point on the game became much more of an even contest and weren’t really threatened apart from a one on one opportunity just before half time. Rhyan Grant also played an extended period of 80 minutes and now finds himself as a key member of the sky blues campaign this year. Returning for this fixture will be key midfielder Milos Dimitrijevic which is sure to be a boost.
They face very much the league surprise packets this year in Perth Glory. The western Australian based side find themselves in first place after eight games. Like their opponents, they will be looking to rebound from a disappointing result against a bottom half side. They will view their draw with Brisbane as disappointing given the recent turmoil of which the reigning champions find themselves in. A cracking volley to Dino Djulbic put the visitors ahead before conceding a late Henrique goal. However if you would’ve asked Kenny Lowe if he would take an away draw, I’m sure he would’ve taken it and I’m sure it will be the same against an undefeated Sydney side.
Eyes on:
Milos Dimitrijevic. The Sydney FC midfielder has hit full stride this season. His combination with Terry Antonis has been key for the sky blues this season and his absence in the derby was noticeable.
Head to Head:
Played: 27 Sydney Fc: 13 Draw: 8 Perth Glory: 6
Last Meeting:
13/04/2014 at Allianz Stadium. Sydney Fc 2-1 Perth Glory.
Form Guide:
Sydney FC: WDDWD Perth Glory: WWWWD
Possible Line ups:
Sydney FC: Janjetovic; Bojic, Petkovic, Jurman, Gersbach; Dimitrijevic, Antonis; Ibini, Brosque; Janko, Smeltz.
Perth Glory: Vukovic; Risdon, Thwaite, Djulbic, Jamieson; Griffiths, Marinkovic, Nichols, De Silva, Garcia; Keogh.
Prediction: Sydney Fc 2-0.
FTSAUS FACT:
- Perth have lost their past 3 away games against Sydney by the score line 2-1.
- Shane Smeltz has scored 8 goals against Perth and Sydney in his illustrious A-League career.
