Perth Coach Dave Mitchell has urged his players to use the clash against high-flying Sydney FC this Sunday at ME Bank Stadium to kick start their run towards the finals.
Perth Coach Dave Mitchell has urged his players to use the clash against high-flying Sydney FC this Sunday at ME Bank Stadium to kick start their run towards the finals.
Perth and Sydney have yet to cross paths this season but will get to know each other well with three matches scheduled in the remaining 13 weeks of the regular season.
While the Glory currently sits in fifth place, and in contention for a maiden finals appearance, a win against the table topping Sky Blues would be a big tick for the West Aussie-s championship credentials.
“It-s a very important game obviously,” Mitchell said.
“It-s being played on our home turf and we want to come out with our heads held high and get back on the winning road.
“Sydney is a consistent threat and rightfully at the top of the table. They-ll be coming here to show they can win anywhere in the country while we-re just as determined to show we belong amongst the league leaders.”
Hard running defender Jamie Coyne comes into the squad after recovering from injury, his inclusion softening the loss of midfielder Wayne Srhoj who-ll miss the match after accumulating five yellow cards this season.
Mitchell is yet to decide who will partner skipper Jacob Burns in midfield but has a variety of options at his disposal despite Dutchman Victor Sikora remaining on the sidelines with a hamstring strain.
After missing out on maximum points in their last four outings Mitchell said he is confident his side can deliver the knockout blow in Sunday-s heavyweight bout.
“Every match we-ve played this season we-ve be in with a chance to get something out of it,” Mitchell said.
“We-ve looked back and there are matches where we could have claimed the points and need to make sure we take our chances in the second half of the season.
“You-re always looking for more goals, I think we-ve created some good opportunities but just need to capitalise on those. If you can get a few goals on the board it gives you a buffer and reduces the pressure that teams like Sydney can place on you.”
Please note that this match will be played at ME Bank Stadium NOT Subiaco Oval as originally scheduled.
Hyundai A-League 2009/10 – Rd 15
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Sunday, 22 November 2009 at ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 4.00pm (7.00pm AEDT)
Referee: Strebre Delovski
Club radio broadcast partner 6PR 882AM – www.6pr.com.au – click here to listen.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.au – click here.
TV broadcast on Fox Sports 2 and Sky Sport 1.
Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Scott BULLOCH, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC
In: Jamie COYNE (returns from injury)
Out: Wayne SRHOJ (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: Jimmy DOWNEY (knee – 2 week), Brent GRIFFITHS (hamstring – 3 weeks), Jamie HARNWELL (knee – 1 week), Victor SIKORA (hamstring – 1 week), Anthony SKORICH (foot – 6 weeks)
Sydney FC Squad: 1.Clint BOLTON (gk), 2.Sebastian RYALL, 3.Stephan KELLER, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 6.Karol KISEL, 7.Brendan GAN, 8.Stuart MUSIALIK, 9.John ALOISI (c), 12.Shannon COLE, 14.Alex BROSQUE, 15.Terry MCFLYNN, 17.Matthew JURMAN, 18.Adam CASEY, 19.Mark BRIDGE, 20.Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 22.Sung Hwan BYUN
*one to be omitted*
In: Matthew JURMAN (promoted), Adam CASEY (promoted)
Out: Steve CORICA (hamstring – 1 week)
Unavailable: Kofi DANNING (broken hand – 4 weeks), Rhyan GRANT (rested after International duty)
