FTS A-League Round 7 Preview: Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix
This week one of the biggest rivalries in world football will create a new chapter. That’s right folks. It’s time for the distance derby!
In all seriousness this shapes up as a big match for both teams. Perth will be looking to keep their perfect home record in tact while the Phoenix will be hoping to consolidate their mid table position with some away points.
Perth have made a remarkable start to the 2014/15 A-League season and sit at the top of the ladder after the opening six rounds. Not many outside of Perth would have predicted that at the beginning of the season. They enter this match on a five game winning streak including home wins over the Wanderers and Brisbane.
Wellington lost a tight match in the final moments last week in Adelaide that saw the players crying foul over some of the refereeing decisions. The New Zealand based club has also made a surprising start to the new season with not many expecting them to be holding a playoff spot at this stage of the season. This week sees the return of their NZ All Whites players who missed the Adelaide match while on international duty.
Head to head:
Played 24. Wellington 10. Perth 9. Draws 5.
Last meeting: October 12, 2014 (Westpac Stadium). Wellington 1-2 Perth.
Perth Glory (Probable):
Vukovic; Jamieson, Thwaite, Djulbic, Risdon; Griffiths, Nichols, Garcia, Hersi; Keogh, Maclaren.
Wellington Phoenix (Probable):
Moss; Muscat, Durante, Sigmund, Doyle; Bonevacia, Riera, Rodriguez; Burns, Krishna, McGlinchey.
Eyes on:
Roy Krishna.
Regardless if he makes the starting side or not, Krishna will be a closely watched man from Ernie Merrick. The Fijian striker hasn’t had much game opportunity this year but with many of the Nix All White players on international duty last week he found himself in the starting side. He made the most of that opportunity showing his pace to set up Wellington’s only goal against Adelaide. Another good performance will put pressure on the likes of Brockie and McGlinchey.
Prediction:
Perth 2 – 1 Wellington
Perth’s position on the table reflects their current form perfectly. They are playing fantastic football and have not dropped a single point at home this season. The Phoenix may find the travel barrier a bit too much to overcome this week and I think Perth will get the win with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
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