Perth Glory’s Argentinean attacker, Adrian Trinidad, could be restored to the starting line-up against Sydney after overcoming an ankle problem and impressing during a solid week on the training track.
Perth Glory-s Argentinean attacker, Adrian Trinidad, could be restored to the starting line-up against Sydney after overcoming an ankle problem and impressing during a solid week on the training track.
Perth have spent the week in Sydney preparing for Sunday-s huge match against the Sky Blues and Trinidad has pressed his case for a return to action after not being risked in last weekend-s draw with Wellington.
Coach Dave Mitchell will decide on his starting 11 after the club-s final training run on Saturday afternoon but admitted there is a strong temptation to throw Trinidad straight back in after his recent impressive performances for Perth.
“Trini has adapted to the style of play in Australia as the season has worn on and you can see he is much more comfortable now. He can influence a game and it was unfortunate timing to get the knock but he has come back hard and is in the mix for sure,” Mitchell said.
Nick Rizzo is also an option to start with the winger having a history of producing some of his best performances for Perth at the Sydney Football Stadium. Rizzo has made substitute appearances in his last three games after coming back from a groin strain and is ready to step up in a crucial game for Glory.
The former Liverpool and Crystal Palace player grew up in the NSW capital before departing for an international career and while his return to Australia landed him on the west coast Rizzo enjoys the chance to play in front of family and friends.
“I love living in Perth but it-s also nice to come to Sydney and catch-up with my family. Spending the week here has been fantastic, we-ve trained hard and enjoyed what the city has to offer,” Rizzo said.
“If the opportunity arises to play a more significant role on Sunday I-ll definitely grab it with both hands,” he said.
The Glory will have to be on their toes against a Sydney side looking to bounce back to form in front of their home fans however Mitchell believes Perth-s preparations have been spot on and are ideally poised to snatch the vital three points on offer.
“It was a solid performance last week and I don-t want to tinker with too much but there are a few different scenarios that we could face this week and we have some options to counter that,” Mitchell said.
“Sydney is making its play for the top four and playing on home turf. I-m sure they-ll be looking to use this match to bounce back but there is a good feeling amongst our players, they-ve enjoyed each others company during our week over here and I think we-ll be a hard nut to crack.”
Sunday-s game marks a tough ten day schedule that will see Perth play three matches which will shape their finals aspirations. Following the meeting with Sydney it-s a home match on Boxing Day against Adelaide and then a New Years Eve clash on the Central Coast.
“The finals are still achievable but with every passing game it becomes tougher and so three points are very precious. It-s a tough equation and we-ll have to get a run of results together and that starts this weekend,” Mitchell said.
“The boys are feeling confident and I think that-s infectious and will play out positively on the pitch.”
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE RD16
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Sunday 21 December, Sydney Football Stadium
Kick off 3.00pm AWDT
Referee. Ben Williams
Match Radio Broadcast on 6PR 882am – click here to listen
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1 and Sky Sport 3.
To purchase tickets visit www.premier.ticketek.com.au
Perth Glory Squad. 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 1.Jason PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 3.David TARKA, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 7.Nick RIZZO, 9.Adrian TRINIDAD, 11.Scott BULLOCH, 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.James DOWNEY, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 22.Wayne SRHOJ, 25.Marc ANTHONY, 28.Andrija JUKIC.
* one to be omitted.
In. 9.Adrian TRINIDAD (return from injury), 21.Mark LEE (promoted).
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. Josip MAGDIC (ankle – season), AMARAL (hamstring – season), James ROBINSON (abdomen – 2 weeks), Hayden FOXE (leg – test), Jamie COYNE (calf – 2 weeks).
Sydney FC Squad. 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Iain FYFE, 7. Rob MIDDLEBY, 8. Stuart MUSIALIC, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 16. Chris PAYNE, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 23. John ALOISI, 28. Bobby PETTA, 29. Beau BUSCH, 31. Antony GOLEC, 32. Brendan GAN.
In. Nil.
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. 3. Adam BIDDLE (ankle – 1 week), 18. Adam CASEY (quadricep – 2 weeks), 4. Simon COLOSIMO (groin – 2 weeks), 22. Mike ENFIELD (knee – indefinite), 15. Terry McFLYNN (knee – 3 weeks), 5. Mitchell PRENTICE (groin – 1 week), 11. Brendon SANTALAB (shoulder – 2 weeks).
