FTS A-League Round 12 Preview: Melbourne City vs. Perth Glory
League leaders Perth travel to Melbourne to complete a City/Victory double header over the holiday period. Two positive results for Glory will see them enter the Asian Cup break top of the league and a serious finals contender.
The season of City has turned around over the last fortnight with a last gasp derby win over Victory and the physio room starting to clear at La Trobe. The three points was deserved against Victory and you can feel their luck slowly changing. A changed defensive setup and an injection of youth through the midfield has City fans thinking of greener pastures from February onwards and a home win over Perth would be the perfect Christmas present for the fans.
Perth embarrassed a substandard Mariners team 4-1 last week and once again took advantage of their opportunities up front. The form of Harold and Keogh this season has been outstanding and their ability to find the back of the net from half chances is a main reason why Perth sits atop the A-League table. Kenny Lowe has the team playing an exciting brand of football, something that has been missing for the last few seasons.
City needs another home win, before they hit the road before the break to play Newcastle and Central Coast. If John Van’t Schip’s men manage to take 7 points from these three games they could find themselves entrenched in the top six before the stats of Asia steal the football spotlight.
Head to Head:
Played: 13 Melbourne City: 4 Perth Glory: 6 Draws 3
Last meeting:
10 January 2014 (NIB Stadium) Perth Glory 3 defeated Melbourne City 0
Form Guide:
Melbourne City: WWLLD Perth Glory: WWWDL
Melbourne City (Probable):
Velaphi, Hoffman, Chapman, Kisnorbo, Garrucio, Paartalu, Mooy, Melling, Dugandzic, Koren, Williams.
Perth Glory (Probable):
Vukovic, Jamieson, Risdon, Thwaite, Griffiths, Zadkovich, Marinkovic, Keogh, Harold, Sciola, Garcia
Absentee List:
Melbourne City:
Massimo Murdocca (ankle – 1-2 weeks)
Perth Glory:
Youssef Hersi (hamstring – season), Mitch Nichols (hamstring – 6 weeks)
Eyes on:
Tando Velaphi
It’s amazing how much energy a change of keeper can bring to a club. Velaphi has single handedly breathed life back into the 2014/15 season and a struggling defense into a well polished unit. Back to back clean sheets have turned the club around and has fans looking towards a finals finish. Connor Chapman’s inclusion to the team hasn’t gone unnoticed with the youngster bringing composure beyond his years to the team and relegating international Robbie Wielaert to the bench.
Prediction:
Melbourne City 1-1 Perth Glory
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