The most highly anticipated rematch of the year has arrived. Just as it was in Round 9, Brisbane and Perth are the bottom two by a fair margin. Spoon Bowl I was a battle to see who could get their first win; this time, it will live up to its name. The loser is very likely to be stuck at the rear end at season’s end.
Ruben Zadkovich’s side enter the contest aiming to exact revenge for the 1-0 loss in December, and on a better run of form than Glory.
David Zdrilic has had two weeks to prepare following the disastrous defensive display against the Wanderers, and needs to give the fans a reason to put faith in him moving forward.
As for the Glory girls, they kept their finals hopes alive with an impressive 3-0 win over Western United. Today, they face a do-or-die clash with the Mariners.
With a lot on the line, the talking points as we enter crunch time of the 2024/25 campaign.
What defensive alterations will be made?
The Glory reverted back to their early season defending two weeks ago; the Wanderers pieced up the backline and midfield with ease en route to a comfortable victory.
There will be forced changes for Saturday. Josh Risdon’s suspension for accumulation of yellow cards should see Takuya Okamoto return to his more natural position at right back.
Tass Mourdoukoutas is back in the squad, and so too is Zach Lisolajski off the back of winning the Asian Cup with the Young Socceroos.
David Zdrilic spoke of the Roar’s pace in behind and how the game could get stretched; ensuring the team doesn’t get exposed on the break will play a huge part in determining the outcome on Saturday.
Most of the Roar’s good work comes from Jay O’Shea. If Luke Amos and Nicholas Pennington can reduce his time on the ball, the odds of Glory walking away with a win go up exponentially.
Where does Pearman fit in?
Another player returning from international duty is QPR-bound Jaylan Pearman, who has been sorely missed in Glory’s attack.
Not seen since the beginning of February, the 19-year-old could come back into a starting side looking very different from the last one he featured in.
Against the Jets and the Victory, he was moved over to the left to accommodate for loanee striker Patrick Wood.
It coincided with a reduction in his performance and output. David Zdrilic can’t afford to make the same mistake again.
Pearman should be starting, and he should be operating in the middle where he can pick up the ball, move into the pockets and play intricate passes with Adam Taggart.
Wood and Taggart don’t combine as well. Persisting with it in the hopes of it working won’t produce results, which is what the Glory desperately need.
Predicted lineup
Taggart
Wales – Pearman – Mileusnic
Amos – Pennington
Misao – Lisolajski – Mrcela – Okamoto
Sail
And for the women…
Is Susan Phonsongkham the difference?
The message from Stephen Peters is clear; go on the front foot and attack.
The Glory have two more opportunities to pick up away wins in the regular season, and will probably have to win both to be in with a shot of catching the sides ahead of them.
In order for it to happen, they will need to replicate their resolute defending from last Friday and score when the opportunities prevent themselves.
Kelli Brown has been scoring, Megan Wynne has been lightning, and now there’s another option available to cause chaos.
Susan Phonsongkham returned from injury last week and scored from the spot to cap off a brilliant night at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Excellent in close quarters and with an eye for goal, her impact in these final games could be what elevates Glory to the level they need to be at.
Even if it’s just a cameo off the bench. These games could be decided late, and she is a player capable of making things happen in big moments.
