Perth will be looking to consolidate third spot when it takes on Wellington this Saturday.
Last week’s convincing victory against Western Sydney saw Glory climb above Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City into third spot, courtesy of strikes from Chris Harold and Joel Chianese.
It was one of the most complete performances from the team this season, with Liam Reddy merely a bystander throughout the entire 90 minutes having only faced one shot on target.
This week’s opponents Wellington are coming off a surprise 2-1 win over a fatigued Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, which played a pivotal role in allowing Kenny Lowe’s troops to reach third spot.
Full-back Joe Mills said “it’s was a massive result for them…but we need to focus on ourselves, we’re in a good vein of form at the moment.”
Former Glory spearhead Shane Smeltz and Fijian midfielder Roy Krishna both got on the scoresheet in one of the more unlikely results this season. But the Nix have recent history against them, as Glory have won their last four games against them, the longest winning streak of either team in the history of the fixture.
Glory may be undefeated in its last five away games against Wellington (W3, D2), and although it has already retained the Long Distance Derby Trophy, Perth will be facing an unpredictable trans-Tasman outfit.
Key Battle: Rostyn Griffiths v Roy Krishna
Our skipper will have his hands full this weekend, with mercurial talent Krishna roaming the final third from midfield. The number 21 managed to hit the back of the net against Glory back in Round 14. Griffiths has been a model of consistency during our five-game unbeaten streak, with his tireless defensive efforts and distribution a massive boost for Perth.
Star: Diego Castro
The Spaniard’s spot in the Hyundai A-League Team of the Week squad is almost a foregone conclusion this season. El Maestro’s pair of silky assists for Harold and Chianese highlighted yet another first class showing from our marquee man, taking his tally to four, with eight goals to his name as well. Castro will be hoping to slice apart the Wellington defence with his signature dribbling and phenomenal vision.
One To Watch: Rhys Williams
Following a string of injuries that had plagued the former Middlesborough captain’s season, home-grown Socceroo Rhys Williams has strung together a number of powerful and commanding performances. Early into the encounter with Western Sydney, young midfielder Brandon Wilson succumbed to injury which saw Aryn Williams take to the field, with his older brother Rhys slotting into midfield alongside Griffiths. The positional change from Kenny Lowe proved a masterstroke, with Williams making a number of runs forward, including one run that saw the 28-year-old nutmeg an opponent and forced Janjetovic into making a fine diving save, as well as continuing his aerial dominance when called upon in defence. Williams will be looking to continue his recent form against Wellington as he searches for his maiden goal for his hometown club.
Last Time We Met: Round Perth Glory 2-1 Wellington Phoenix
An absolute rocket on the stroke of half-time from Griffiths and a neatly timed header from Adam Taggart cancelled out Krishna’s early strike and completed a tough come-from-behind win for Glory on January 5 in front of 9,210 at nib Stadium.
Perth has gone two from two against Wellington this season, but as 2nd placed rivals Melbourne Victory learned first-hand in the re-scheduled Round 7 clash on January 17th, New Zealand is no easy place to grab all three points.
MATCH DETAILS:
Round 22, Saturday, 4th March, Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Venue: QBE Stadium
Time: 2:35PM (AWST)
Broadcast: FOX SPORTS 505
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