Star Striker Shane Smeltz is the notable absentee from this week’s squad for the clash with Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Saturday KO 6:45pm.
Star Striker Shane Smeltz is the notable absentee from this week-s squad for the clash with Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Saturday KO 6:45pm.
Smeltz, who was under an injury cloud when on duty with the Kiwi national team in Japan last week, succumbed to a groin injury in Perth Glory-s 1-1 draw against the Phoenix at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington last Sunday and is expected to be out for at least two weeks.
Kenny Lowe has stuck with the basis of the squad that travelled to New Zealand last week with midfielder Ryan Edwards and Defender Riley Woodcock being added, with the latter included after a strong display in Perth Glory-s National Premier League game last Saturday at Intiga Stadium.
Both central defenders, William Gallas and Michael Thwaite have been included in the 18 man squad and should be fit to play against the Victory despite picking up slight injuries in the game against the Phoenix. Also included is Josh Risdon who was in last week-s 18 man squad but did not travel.
Young Goalkeeper, Jack Duncan will retain his position between the posts after an impressive debut for the Glory last week with fellow youngster, Luke Radonich, once again taking his place on the bench as back up Goalkeeper.
Melbourne Victory comes into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Jeonbuk Motors in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday and a 3-1 win over Central Coast Mariners in the A League last Friday night.
Returning to their squad after missing out last Friday due to International Duty with the Socceroos are midfielders Tom Rogic and Mark Milligan. Also included are defenders Adam Traore who was pulled out of the Mariners game during the warm up with an injury issue and Nicholas Ansell, who is back after serving a one match suspension.
Perth will be happy to be back at nib Stadium this week after two long road trips to Brisbane and Wellington. Glory have found the majority of their success at home this season with 4 wins and 4 draws out of the 10 games they have contested here.
Perth Glory Squad: 2.Jack CLISBY, 3. Brandon O-NEILL, 4. Ryan EDWARDS 5. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 7. Jacob BURNS, 8. Nebojsa MARINKOVIC,10. Jamie MACLAREN, 14.Steven McGARRY, 16.Sidnei SCIOLA MORAES, 17. Chris HAROLD, 18. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 19. Josh RISDON, 20. Daniel DE SILVA, 24. Matthew DAVIES, 23. Michael THWAITE, 28. Darvydas SERNAS, 36. William GALLAS, 39. Luke RADONICH (GK)
**two to be omitted**
