Overpromise and underdeliver. David Zdrilic’s comments on how the Glory would play attacking football didn’t come to fruition when it mattered. They offered little in the second half of a dull 1-0 loss to Melbourne City.
A chance to make amends is what awaits on Saturday, facing an opponent in Sydney FC who are coming off 120 minutes of midweek football in Thailand.
Once again the gaffer comes up against his former employers, while on the other side a former Glory fan favourite is in line to make his first A-League appearance for the Sky Blues.
Here are the talking points, starting off with one of the key matchups:
Grant v Taggart – who wins the battle?
Alex Grant made his Sydney FC debut in their 3-2 triumph over Bangkok United in the AFC Champions League and played the full game alongside his namesake Rhyan as the centre half pairing.
Adam Taggart hasn’t hit the heights of last season, but is in a decent spell of form with 3 goals and an assist in his last five.
The two of them are very familiar with each other; they played together at the Glory under Kenny Lowe in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons.
It is very likely they will both be starting at HBF Park. Grant is the defensive signing Ufuk Talay needed, and Taggart is the marshal of the Glory attack.
The likes of Jordan Courtney-Perkins and Lachie Wales will have an influence on the game, but they are the support acts for the main tussle.
Whoever wins the duel between the big defender and key striker could decide the contest. If Taggart can get the better of Grant, the Glory should fancy themselves to get a result.
Can Glory take advantage of their freshness?
Travel and match preparation are in the Glory’s favour for tonight’s match. Sydney have had 3 days to recover and get ready for this weekend after their extra-time heroics in Thailand.
A few of their stars, Anas Ouahim and Patryk Klimala, missed midweek and will be raring to go. The rest of the squad, including Joe Lolley, Anthony Caceres and Douglas Costa, won’t be at their peak.
There is no doubt on paper that Sydney FC have the star power and talent to get the job done. Their record in Perth is brilliant, having lost just five times in 26 visits.
However, on the road this season the Sky Blues have struggled. Only two of their wins have come away from home, and in most matches their first 60 minutes have been underwhelming.
Most of their goals have come in the later stages of games; with tired legs, they might find it more difficult as the game wears on.
The Glory should know this; start strong, take your chances and remain tight defensively in the latter stages. That is how they will beat Sydney FC.
Will we see the dream midfield partnership?
Last week, I mentioned how good the midfield partnership of Luke Amos and Nicholas Pennington could be. There is a chance we could see it in the flesh for the first time tonight.
The new English signing spoke this week about how his move to Australia transpired and said he feels prepared to jump straight in and show the fans what he can do.
On top of that, David Zdrilic confirmed both Pennington and Josh Risdon could return from injury. For what it’s worth, Pennington was included in the extended squad while Risdon wasn’t.
Against Melbourne City, the midfield was an area of concern. Will Freney had a bad game paired with Taras Gomulka, who has been adequate for the majority of the season.
It’s a risk to bring both Amos and Pennington into the fold but as we’ve seen, David Zdrilic isn’t shy of making bold decisions in selection.
Leo Sena, Ouahim, Caceres and Corey Hollman are a step up from the Melbourne City midfield. I’d say it’s a risk worth taking.
Predicted lineup
Mileusnic – Taggart
Anasmo – Pennington – Amos – Wales
Misao – Mourdoukoutas – Mrcela – Okamoto
Sail
