A-League – Match Preview – Perth Glory vs Melbourne City

A-League – Match Preview – Perth Glory vs Melbourne City

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Two of the A-League’s form sides, Perth Glory and Melbourne City, clash at nib Stadium in a potential finals preview.

Who would have thought it would come to this? Two rounds to go and the A-League Premier’s Plate is still up for grabs for not two, not three, but five teams. Two of those clubs, top-of-the-table Melbourne City and fifth placed Perth Glory, meet at nib Stadium in a clash which will have massive implications on the rest of the top six’s seasons.

Both teams come into the game on the back of four straight wins in which they have cemented their status as grand finals contenders. Perth’s organisation and efficiency has seen them march into the top six off the back of some standout defensive efforts and the dangerous front three of Andy Keogh, Diego Castro and Chris Harold. Meanwhile, Melbourne City’s own free-scoring trio of Aaron Mooy, Bruno Fornaroli and Harry Novillo have shown no sign of slowing down, whilst their defence, once their Achilles heel, has conceded just once in the past four games. With everything on the line, expect neither side to give an inch.

Key battle – Diego Castro & Andy Keogh vs Aaron Mooy & Bruno Fornaroli

The two best attacking tandems in the league go head-to-head in a battle which could determine not just the game, but both team’s position come the end of the season. Castro has gone from strength-to-strength after an injury-afflicted start to the season, quickly becoming one of the best players. With his array of tricks and flicks, his cool head and ability to ghost past anyone, he has led Perth’s charge to the finals. In doing so, he has struck up a deadly partnership with Andy Keogh, who finds himself in the midst of a seven-game scoring run. The Irishman’s predatory instinct make him dangerous at the worst of times and his confidence will be overflowing after his and his side’s good form.

For all their success, it speaks volumes Castro and Keogh are not the best duo in the league to many. The honour belongs to Mooy and Fornaroli. The pair have combined for a staggering 33 goals 23 assists this season, turning City into the league’s most feared attack. Mooy’s vision, passing and creativity has established him as the bookie’s favourite for the Johnny Warren Medal, but he will face a stiff fight for it from his teammate Fornaroli. The Uruguayan has been a revelation since his arrival in the off-season with his intelligent runs and composure on the ball, but his clinical finishing has caught the eye most.

In a game which could well come down to who can score the most, the likely difference makers are Castro and Keogh, Mooy and Fornaroli. They have led their side all season. Now, we will get to see which pair can step up in a clutch situation.


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Team News

Josh Risdon returns from Socceroo duty to strengthen a back four which missed him last week, whilst Nebojsa Marinkovic could be in line to start after making his return to the playing field via the substitutes bench against Newcastle.

City will also welcome back players from international duty, in the form of Mooy and Alex Wilkinson. Their return poses a welcome selection headache for John van ’t Schip, who saw his side avoid a potential banana skin with a 3-1 over Wellington without the two Socceroos.

Head-to-head

Perth have enjoyed the better of the meetings between the two, winning seven and drawing six from 18 encounters with Melbourne City. They boast an even more impressive record at nib Stadium, having just lost once in nine games against City in Western Australia.

Previous meeting

If their upcoming clash resembles anything close to their last one, we are in for a great game on Sunday night, as a ten-man Perth came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at nib Stadium. Erik Paartalu opened the scoring from Mooy’s cross before Castro equalised on the stroke of half-time with an exquisite free kick.  Mooy restored City’s lead after the break, but Perth again pegged them back when Harold bundled home from close range after Keogh’s initial shot had been saved. Perth youngster Jacob Collard was controversially sent off by Ben Williams with 25 minutes to play, but City were unable to break down a resolute Glory and both sides enjoyed a share of the points.

Prediction

As alluded to earlier, both teams are in outstanding form, can score for fun and desperately want to win. You do not have to be a genius to realise they are all key ingredients for what is shaping up to be one of the matches of the season. With finals just around the corner and both teams guaranteed a place in the big dance, this could be a preview of what is to come, so expect a finals-like atmosphere at nib Stadium. The game could go either way, but expect goals, drama and some big performances from each side’s stars.

Perth Glory 2-2 Melbourne City.

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