David Zdrilic has made no secret how desperate the Glory are for wins as the regular season pushes toward its conclusion.
Three points would not only be great for team morale and confidence, but it would alleviate some of the scrutiny that has been directed at the coach from the majority of Glory supporters.
The task ahead is to avoid consecutive wooden spoons, and the third in four seasons. Looking at the remaining matches, arguably the Glory’s best chance at a win comes this weekend against the Mariners, a team also struggling for goals and without a lot to play for.
Meanwhile, the Glory girls kept their slim finals chances alive with a last gasp win over the Wanderers last weekend. Another must-win game awaits at home today against Canberra, who need a win just as badly.
As one team chases a top six spot and the other chases 12th, the talking points as we enter the final month of the season.
Will the team lift for Rizzo’s milestone match?
A club record looks set to be broken on Sunday, with Josh Risdon in line to make his 157th appearance for the Glory in the A-League.
One of the first signings made for this season, the right-back has been one of the few solid recruits made by the new owners.
Zdrilic was full of praise for the 33-year-old, acknowledging his impact at the club during what has been a difficult season on the pitch.
Those words are nice; what would undoubtedly mean more is to put in a performance worthy of celebrating the longevity and talent of an A-League champion and Socceroos representative.
Risdon himself stated that the squad is motivated to get points on the board and avoid another last place finish.
Honouring his milestone game with a win should provide added motivation to the squad, and that extra inspiration which could make a difference on the day.
Anasmo up front?
In good news on the injury front, the groin problem which kept Adam Taggart out of the Socceroos’ game against China won’t keep him out for the Glory this weekend.
The bad news couldn’t be avoided though, with Lachie Wales ruled out with an Achilles for Sunday’s match.
Wales’ absence opens the door for either Trent Ostler or one of the younger brigade who featured in the Glory’s NPL side last weekend.
Adam Bugarija has two braces from two games, Khoa Ngo scored in both and Joel Anasmo found the net playing down the middle against Stirling Macedonia.
With Patrick Wood and Nikola Mileusnic underperforming, there could be an opening for Anasmo to play the same position alongside Taggart.
He has the pace to beat defenders in behind and has shown more confidence and skill on the ball than the alternatives mentioned.
Goals remain hard to come by; it’s worth making a change and seeing how Anasmo goes. Fans have been calling for him to feature more all season, and this is a golden opportunity to give him a longer run.
Predicted lineup
Anasmo – Taggart
Mileusnic – Amos – Pennington – Ostler
Misao – Mourdoukoutas – Mrcela – Risdon
Sail
And for the women…
Can they keep Heyman quiet?
Three games remain in the ALW season and Stephen Peters’ side are still in with a chance of making an unlikely finals appearance.
Each game remains must-win, and today is no exception. A draw puts one nail in the coffin, a loss would slam the coffin shut.
Home form has been strong leading in, and their opponents Canberra enter the contest on a six-game winless run.
Despite that, this game isn’t to be taken for granted; the Glory have failed to beat the team from the capital in their two encounters this year.
With those results being a 1-0 loss and a 1-1 draw, expect a tight tussle and a low-scoring affair. Which makes the task of stopping Michelle Heyman even more vital.
The Matildas striker will be a threat to a Glory defence which has kept two clean sheets in a row at home.
Minimising her impact and breaking down Canberra’s stubborn defence will ensure the Glory girls go level with Brisbane on points before their game on Sunday, and would put them right in the mix with two rounds left to play.
All images courtesy of Tom McCarthy.
