21.11.2014 GLORY V PHOENIX - PREVIEW Perth Glory will be looking to defend their 100% home record this season in A-League league and FFA Cup games when they take on Wellington Phoenix at nib Stadium Friday evening, (6.45pm). The league leaders continue to defy the critics, but Coach Kenny Lowe is expecting another tough game against Ernie Merrick’s side. “They are a dangerous side,” he said. “When you have the likes of Roly Bonevacia, Michael McGlinchey, Alex Rodriguez, and of course Nathan Burns, you have a real threat up top also in terms of carving out chances and taking them. “I have no doubt it will be a huge test for us and you can see from our results while we’ve been winning, the margins have been tight, and Friday will be no different.” The Glory beat the Phoenix in the opening game of the season in Wellington, Andy Keogh scored that day, and the Irish striker has been in good form along with youngster Jamie Maclaren. The Olyroos striker returns to the squad after missing the last two games due to international duty, likewise Mitch Nichols, who returns after the Socceroos game against Japan in the week. Ruban Zadzovich made his league debut for the club, off the bench last week and the former Newcastle Jets skipper will be pushing for a starting role, but a spot on the bench is the likely outcome. Wellington Phoenix will be playing the second part of their long road trip, after they left the Hindmarsh Stadium last week with nothing, after a last minute goal from Adelaide United’s Sergio Cirio gave the home side a 2-1. But they head West looking to bounce back, and they sit in 5th spot on the table, six points behind their hosts. They do regain the services of New Zealand internationals Michael McGlinchey, Jeremy Brookie, Michael Boxall and Tyler Boyd, after the games for the All Whites against China and Thailand in midweek. The form of striker Nathan Burns is a huge positive for the Phoenix, the former Socceroo has scored four this season, while the service from the middle of the park from Spanish midfielder Albert Riera, will need to be watched closely go the home side. Manny Muscat will celebrate his 150th A-League game on Friday, the Maltese international defender has been a stalwart for the club and the Phoenix will be doing all they can to make it one to celebrate, and keep in touch with the leaders. The last time the two teams met in Perth, the Glory ran out 4-2 winners. A stunner from Sidnei opened the scoring, before the Phoenix hit back with goals from Stein Huysegems and Paul Ifill. But goals from skipper Michael Thwaite, Adrian Zahra and another to Sidnei, gave the Glory all three points. footballwa.net
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:38:38 +0000
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