Just when you thought the Glory couldn’t plunge to new depths of despair, they somehow find a way to go even lower than you could have imagined.
A million dollars unpaid and a pitiful 2-0 defeat in Melbourne was followed up by an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at home to Newcastle Jets and the departure of Luis Canga by mutual consent.
The only side weaker than the Jets beside Glory are Brisbane and as luck would have it, the two cellar dwellers face off at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A Christmas miracle is on the cards, and nobody needs it more than David Zdrilic and the Glory fans who haven’t seen a win since February.
That win was ironically against the Roar, and before the Glory attempt to repeat the trick from 10 months ago, a look at the discussion points.
Should some youth be brought into the defence?
Exits and departures can bring silver linings. With Luis Canga out of the picture, a space opens up for someone to slot into the defence.
Tomi Mrcela and Lachlan Barr are likely to be the new starting centre back duo with their A-League experience, but maybe now is the time to get a young player in and partner him with one of older players.
Zach Lisolajski has started three games this season, all at left back despite being a central defender primarily. He could comfortably slot into the centre of defence and would create a left foot-right foot combination with either Mrcela or Barr.
The other option is Adriano Lebib, who only featured in the opening match against Macarthur. He played with Canga in his debut and two other young defenders; having experience around to help him will certainly be beneficial.
Given the current situation, the young crop of talent should be getting more minutes. Playing in this defence is tough, but it’s the only way to see if they are good enough, and let’s be honest, they can’t be much worse than Canga was.
Old school strike partnership?
When you’ve got a striker with the ability of Adam Taggart being left isolated consistently, it might be a good idea to give him a partner to work with.
Stefan Colakovski was his main partner last year up front, followed by David Williams who contributed greatly from the bench.
This season, Williams has featured sporadically and Nathanael Blair has come on as a sub in six of the eight games.
When they’ve been brought on, they have played out on the left or right. Both of them can function out wide, but they’re much more effective operating in the middle.
Not only does it give Taggart a helping hand in attack and someone to combine with, but it also gives the wide players and midfielders an extra target to aim for.
The captain can only do so much on his own. Another body up front forces the opposition to direct some of their attention elsewhere, and that extra freedom might be all Taggart needs to thrive and get on the scoresheet more often.
Predicted lineup
Blair – Taggart
Ngo – Pennington – Gomulka – Ostler
Warland – Lisolajski – Mrcela – Risdon
Cook
And for the women…
Which defence will come out on top?
The Glory and the Wanderers recorded important wins last weekend in the ALW. It was the first of the season for Western Sydney, and a confidence building one for Stephen Peters and the Glory girls.
Six games in and the area of improvement required for both teams is in the backline. The Glory have the equal worst defensive record with Western United, and the Wanderers aren’t far behind.
The Wanderers were struggling for goals up until their previous game, where they put five past Western United in a comprehensive drubbing.
Sienna Saveska was the star of the show with a hattrick, and while she didn’t get on the scoresheet in their big win, Sophie Harding will be a danger and has caused Glory problems in the past.
Glory’s own attack was much improved against Adelaide. Megan Wynne won a penalty and was a constant threat out wide, Kelly Brown got an assist and Gabby Hollar scored twice in a confidence building performance.
The result will have big ramifications on the table even at this stage of the season. A loss and the Glory could be bottom at the end of the round, while a win could see them sitting inside the top six.
All images courtesy of Tom McCarthy.
Why is Majekodumni not being considered. What has he done to warrant his total exclusion from the squad
I have looked at the comments which is on page about the youth players in glory.As you have mentioned the youth players should have a chance so wy do they have them in the squad.Give them a chance no guts no glory