Perth Glory look to keep their Premiership hopes alive when they invite title favourites Melbourne City to nib Stadium on Sunday night.
Two impressive attacks go head-to-head
Round 26 finishes up with arguably the pick of the bunch, as Perth host Melbourne City. A blockbuster clash not only in terms of the race for the Premiership, but also in the sense of what fans at nib Stadium could well be treated to. With City’s record-breaking attack of Aaron Mooy, Harry Novillo and of course Bruno Fornaroli, going head-to-head with Perth’s quiet achievers in Andy Keogh and Diego Castro. With both defences being the weak point of their campaign, and neither side willing to let a crucial three points slip, a thrilling attacking encounter looks on the cards this Sunday.
City’s tough run into the finals
After an inconsistent season it looks like Melbourne City have hit their best form at the perfect moment, not only as finals football approaches, but particularly given their run towards the Premiership. City enters the round top of the table on goal difference, but while their opponents face non-finals sides City front up against Perth Glory, who despite flailing outside the six for most of the season they are now the competition’s dark horses. And while dropped points in Western Australia does not rule City out of the Premiership, they will then front up for the final round to face another in-form outfit, Adelaide United. With the top six closer than ever, dropping points in either of their tough encounters could see City dropping down to fifth place and entering the finals on the back foot.
Return of internationals
Last round saw both teams pick up three points without the likes of Australian representatives Alex Wilkinson, and Aaron Mooy (both City) and Josh Risdon (Perth) all away on Socceroos duty. However, this weekend all three return to the fray, with Aaron Mooy undoubtedly being the most notable of the trio, but Risdon probably the most crucial for his team. Although the sides may have gotten the job done in their absence, there is no doubt they will boost the overall quality of the game, and take the blockbuster match into an entirely new class – setting the stage for an edge-of-the seat finish to round 26.
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