Payback in Perth! Glory seek revenge as they take on Phoenix for the first time since their penalty heartache in last season’s Finals Series…
Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
Sunday 5th September 3:00pm
nib Stadium
Payback in Perth! Glory seek revenge as they take on Phoenix for the first time since their penalty heartache in last season-s Finals Series.
When you don-t get many points on your travels, you-re never going to look forward to the longest road trip in world football, especially when the team awaiting you is sitting proudly at the top of the ladder.
But that is exactly what Wellington Phoenix face this Sunday, as Week 4 ladder leaders Perth Glory entertain them with the intention of continuing their longest ever undefeated streak, having remained unbeaten in each of their previous six Hyundai A-League games. On top of that, Glory are also out to maintain their longest undefeated run at home, having not lost at nib Stadium in their past nine matches.
The Shed is sure to be in especially good voice for this encounter, not least because the memory of last season-s devastating Finals Series penalties defeat in Wellington is still painfully fresh. Revenge is on the agenda, and Glory go into the game with a feeling of indestructibility about them.
This was best illustrated by their never-say-die draw against Melbourne Heart last weekend. Twice behind, they kept fighting until the death and snatched a point with an injury-time penalty that broke Melbourne hearts. With Robbie Fowler finally getting off the mark with his last-gasp equaliser, the goals might really start to flow from the legendary striker.
All of which means Phoenix-s back-line will have plenty to think about against a side that is averaging two goals a game so far in the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
Despite struggling to take their dazzling home form on the road, it would be foolish to dismiss Phoenix-s chances of grabbing a result on Sunday. With two goals apiece from their opening three games, the striking partnership of Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre is rightly one of the most feared in the Hyundai A-League.
As David Mitchell-s boys attempt to remain the early season pace-setters, they-ll be looking for The Shed to create an intense atmosphere. Glory are seeking to get their own back on Phoenix. Bring it on!
Full squad information and match details will be available at www.a-league.com.au on Thursday.
