The lower half of the table’s two form teams, Perth Glory and Adelaide United, clash in a game which could have major implications for the finals race.
When Perth and Adelaide last met in early December, the pair were at their lowest ebb. With just one win claimed all season between the two teams (and that win came in the corresponding fixture between the two sides), things were grim. Despite both teams enjoying strong previous seasons, it looked like it would be a long year for both sets of fans.
Fast forward a month and things couldn’t be different. Since beating Perth that evening, the Reds haven’t looked back, winning eight points from a possible 12 to stretch their unbeaten run to five games. Having catapulted themselves off the foot of the table, they’re now in prime position to challenge for a finals spot.
Meanwhile, the Glory themselves have enjoyed a mini-purple patch. Like Adelaide, they’ve won eight points since their last clash with the Reds and are now within touching distance of the top six, all but a dream a month ago. While they lost to Brisbane last weekend, with Andy Keogh’s return potentially this weekend the Glory will be further strengthened.
Key Battle – Diego Castro vs Cirio
Compare the pair. Both Spaniards who play on the wing. Both capable of lighting up a game with a single moment of magic. Both integral to their team’s chances. It will most definitely come down to one of these stylish attackers conjuring up something from nothing to decide the points.
After a slow start, Castro has started to hit his straps and has stamped his influence on this Perth team. With four goals, he’s always a threat around the box and his vision has created many chances for his teammates in recent weeks. Already a fan favourite, after scoring against Adelaide the last time they met at nib Stadium, he’ll back himself to continue his good form.
Like Castro, Cirio started the season slowly, although he wasn’t the only among his teammates. As Adelaide’s form has picked up though, as has Cirio’s. Even at his worst, the winger has always possessed the ability to come alive and is a nightmare matchup for any A-League fullback.
Team news
Perth are still missing Dino Djulbic, Nebojsa Marinkovic and Sidnei, although the latter two are expected back soon. Andy Keogh has been successfully registered in time by the club, but given the Irishman is lacking match fitness, expect teenager Jamal Reiners to once again lead the line.
Perth Glory Expected XI: Covic; Risdon, Thwaite, Grant, Golec; Ferreira, Sandor, Oxborrow; Garcia, Reiners, Harold.
Expect an unchanged Adelaide side from the one who claimed a point away to league leaders Western Sydney. Eli Babalj is back from injury, but his lack of match fitness should consign him to a place on the bench.
Adelaide (Predicted XI): Galekovic; Elrich, McGowan, Elsey, Marrone; Isaias, Jeggo, Carrusca; Goodwin, Djite, Cirio.
Head-to-head
Adelaide have enjoyed the most success over Perth in the past, winning 15 and drawing eight from 32 encounters.
However, the ledger is in the Glory’s favour when at home, losing only five in 14 matches at nib Stadium.
Previous meeting
On a hot South Australian evening, Adelaide overcame Perth and leapfrogged the Glory on the table in what was their first win of the season.
Despite the overbearing heat, the Reds dominated proceedings and an early strike from Pablo Sanchez gave them the lead. Despite chasing the game, Perth never truly threatened and the home side were able to claim a deserved victory.
Prediction
Coming off strong form, both teams will have every reason to be confident heading into this game. Perth have only lost once at home this season and will fancy their chances. Andy Keogh’s presence should give the team a boost, most likely off the bench. However, Adelaide are in peak form at the moment, with coach Guillermo Amor’s tactics having finally sunk in. Given both side’s strong form of late, expect it to cancel each other out and nullify the contest in a scoring draw.
Perth Glory 1 Adelaide United 1
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