FFA Cup – Semi-final Preview – Perth Glory vs Melbourne City ...

FFA Cup – Semi-final Preview – Perth Glory vs Melbourne City [VIDEO]

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Perth Glory seek to reach back-to-back FFA Cup finals by beating an evolved Melbourne City outfit at nib Stadium tonight.

Two games in to the A-League season, Perth would hope their record read better than zero points. A 3-2 defeat to the Central Coast Mariners, followed by a dramatic 2-1 loss to the Wellington Phoenix has dampened expectations out West after 2014-15’s crushing blows. However, they have a chance to put their start behind them by reaching their second FFA Cup Final in a row.

Standing in their way is a Melbourne City side stinging from a heartbreaking derby loss to the Victory last weekend. After going down by two goals, an Aaron Mooy-inspired squad struck twice in quick succession to level the scores, only for Besart Berisha to pop-up late and steal all three points.

Both teams will have reason to be optimistic heading into the tie. Perth will be at home and do not have to deal with a four hour flight across the country like their opponents. They are seasoned competitors in the cup and will not be daunted by the prospect of extra time and penalties. On the other hand, City started their season in solid fashion by winning a point away to Sydney, before narrowly losing the derby. Despite being away from home, given Perth’s poor start to the season, City will have every right to fancy themselves to progress to the final.

Key battle – Gyorgy Sandor vs Aaron Mooy

Ahead of their clash with Wellington last weekend, Sandor was highlighted in our match preview as a key player. His influence again looms as vital to the team’s chances. After nabbing his second of the goal of the season early in the game, he went on to exhibit some tidy passing and an ability to stay calm under pressure. When he was not on the ball as much in the second-half, it is no surprise Perth’s attacking intent suffered.

Mooy was by far City’s best player in the Melbourne Derby. He looked to be the only player willing to put up a fight in the first-half and was the catalyst for their comeback. It is not the first time he has done it either. There is a belief that without Mooy, one of the league’s best players to bail them out of trouble, City would be in deep trouble.

There is a big chance the winner of this Semi-final could come from whose midfielder dictates play better. While they may not man-mark each other, both are creative players who play a big part in their team’s attacking strategy. If either of them is constantly afforded time and space, expect them to take advantage of it.

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Team news

Perth captain Richard Garcia was given his marching orders late into their loss to Wellington for two bookable offences so he will miss the clash, expect to see Sidnei slot straight in as a like-for-like replacement. However, Nebojsa Marinkovic, who sat out on the weekend with a hip complaint, is expected to be fit and could also come into the starting lineup.

Wary of the busy travel schedule and Saturday’s upcoming match with Central Coast, City coach John van ‘t Schip has decided to rest some of his players. Michael Zullo and marquee man Robert Koren will not take part, while Tando Velaphi is expected to be preferred over the veteran Thomas Sorensen in goals.

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Head-to-head

Perth have had the better of the two teams so far, winning seven of their 16 encounters and only losing four times. Melbourne have a good record at nib Stadium though, recording only two losses from their eight visits.

Previous meeting

A Jamie McLaren inspired-Glory side put City to the sword with a battling 3-1 win. The striker put the hosts ahead on the half-hour mark, and although Paulo Retre was sent off for the visitors, a Mooy free kick levelled the scores after half time. However, McLaren struck again soon after, before finishing Chris Harold’s cutback late in the game to secure the points.

Prediction

Both sides will be eager to chalk up their first win since preseason, but more importantly, there is the chance of a spot in the Cup final up for grabs. Perth have been in this position before and know what is needed to advance. Melbourne are coming off a shattering loss and a long trip across the Nullaboor, but they have showed they are a dangerous side. Expect a tight game with not many chances.

Perth Glory 0-0 Melbourne City (Perth to win on penalties)

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