Perth Glory will look to cement their position in the top six when they host rock-bottom Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.
The Glory spent the first half of the year looking lost and facing another year without finals football, they have reinvented themselves over the last two months.
Now, they represent a team who are capable of scoring loads of goals every time they take to the pitch – it’s been a rapid transformation.
On the other hand, Central Coast are experiencing a torrid campaign. Last week’s 2-0 loss to Melbourne Victory put another nail in their coffin and Tony Walmsley’s young outfit continue to struggle with the rigours of professional football.
A trip to Perth will be yet another step in their elongated learning curve, although it is likely to heap more misery on their season.
Key Battle – Perth’s back four vs Central Coast’s front four
Over the last month, Perth Glory’s attack has earned the plaudits for their charge into the top six.
However, their back four has also been crucial to their rise with Josh Risdon arguably the best full back in the league this season.
Alex Grant and Shane Lowry are forming a formidable partnership, while Aryn Williams and Marc Warren have been solid, if not spectacular in the other full back position.
Dino Djulbic’s return from injury adds further steel to Perth’s defence, however they can be prone to concentration lapses and they look susceptible to counter-attacks.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
For all their woes this season, the Mariners do possess a dangerous front four. Luis Garcia has shown glimpses of why Liverpool fans worshipped him and has the ability to create something out of nothing.
Fabio Ferreira and Mitch Austin remain the team’s best attacking outlets, using pace and trickery to wreak havoc against full backs. The duo possess a cutting edge around goal and can cause problems.
Roy O’Donovan missed a large chunk of this season due to suspension and has divided opinions, but remains a strong target man who should benefit immensely from playing with the aforementioned creative talents. If the one of the front four can score early and force Perth to chase the game, they have enough skill to punish them on the break.
Team News
Williams and Nebojsa Marinkovic were both substituted after sustaining injuries against Newcastle and it’s unaware whether it will affect their selection chances for this week. Djulbic made a successful return from injury last week, while Warren returns from suspension.
Mariners’ skipper Nick Montgomery has returned from suspension and will likely resume his spot in central midfield. Michael Neill misses out after his red card in last week’s loss to Melbourne Victory and should be replaced by Jacob Poscoliero.
Head-to-Head
Central Coast have dominated this fixture in the past, claiming 18 wins and six draws from 33 meetings. At nib Stadium Perth have won seven times to the Mariners’ five, along with four draws.
Previous Meeting
Perth started to get their season back on track the last time these two teams clashed on matchday 10. Winless in five games, Perth were desperate for three points, but found themselves staring down the barrel of another defeat when O’Donovan put Central Coast ahead after 28 minutes.
However, Marinkovic had other things in mind. The Serbian’s spectacular free-kick just after the hour mark pulled the Glory level, and two minutes later, he burst through midfield, collected a through ball and slotted past Paul Izzo to claim a much-needed win.
Prediction
Perth are flying and this is their second last home game of the season. Kenny Lowe won’t tolerate any complacency against the worst side in the league, who represent something of a banana skin for the Glory. They may have just jumped into the top six, but don’t expect Perth to take their foot off the accelerator anytime soon.
Perth Glory 3 Central Coast Mariners 1
*CrownBet odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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