A-League 2013-2014 Season { 31 galleries }
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FFA Preview: Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory
Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory will meet in a round 24 A-League fixture at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday, March 23 at 5pm.
The Game:
Western Sydney made it back-to-back ACL wins with their gritty 1-0 triumph of Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday night. But it's the A-League where they now need to focus after dropping to third spot as a result of last weekend's goal-less draw with Adelaide United. It increased the Wanderers' winless run in the domestic competition to three games. The good news is they have almost a clean bill of health, with defender Matthew Spiranovic finally set to return after a couple of weeks out. Popovic made nine changes for the midweek ACL clash and could make just as many for the visit of the Glory. Perth appeared set to secure a credible point against the Victory last weekend until they went to sleep for a split-second and allowed Archie Thompson to pounce and steal the game in stoppage time. It's become an all too familiar theme for Kenny Lowe's side of late, with their winless streak now at a horrible nine games. Their top six hopes are all but gone with their main goal now to try and avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
The big issue:
Wanderers – The Wanderers will be playing their fifth match in 15 days and while Popovic is sure to re-jig his side there is sure to be some fatigue amongst the playing group. And that could leave them vulnerable late on, with the Wanderers conceding more goals in the 90th minute or later this season (five) than any other club in the A-League.
Glory – While Perth have fallen down in a number of areas in the last couple of months, they are proving to be real toothless in attack. With Shane Smeltz in-and-out of the side due to injury – and Jamie McLaren not yet delivering on his talent - the Glory have struggled to find any continuity or quality in the front third of late. Just seven goals in their last nine games tells the story and will be a major factor in the club missing out on the finals.
The game breaker:
Youssouf Hersi – It's believed Hersi is bound for Glory next season and the Dutch winger will be intent on showing them what they are going to get, as well as prove to Wanderers fans he's keen to go out with a bang. He is sure to give Perth youngster Jack Clisby a torrid time down the flanks and his pace and quality delivery from the right will be a huge threat to the visitors.
Prediction: Wanderers 2-0 Glory
Western Sydney have never tasted defeat against the Glory and there's nothing to suggest that will change now. Even though the home side will be playing their fifth match in 15 days, they are simply too strong, fit and well-structured for the Glory. If the Wanderers get an early goal, it should be a comfortable afternoon for them at the end of what's been a gruelling period of matches.
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(From FFA match day page)
Preview: Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets
#EraseRacism Round concludes this afternoon with Clayton Zane hoping to get the Jets firing against the Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium, kick-off 5pm AEDT.
Head-to-head:
Played: 5 – Wanderers 3, Jets 1, Drawn 1
Previous encounter:
Jets 2-2 Wanderers, February 1, 2014
Form:
Past five matches:
Wanderers: LWDDW
Jets: LWLDL
The Game:
Western Sydney will need to pick themselves up quickly following their disappointing 3-1 ACL defeat to Ulsan Hyundai on Wednesday night.
Coach Tony Popovic is likely to make a few changes to freshen his squad for what will be the club's third game in eight days.
But the Wanderers do enjoy a great record against the Jets, with just one defeat from their five previous meetings, including a dramatic 2-2 draw from their most recent clash in the Hunter a month ago.
Newcastle are running out of time to make the finals, going down 2-0 at home against Sydney FC last weekend. Clayton Zane's side have now managed just one win from their last nine A-League games.
Don't be surprised if Wanderers attacker Mark Bridge has a big say on the outcome, with the two-time A-League winner scoring four goals in his last four games against his former club.
The big issue:
Wanderers – Western Sydney's fitness and mental toughness is sure to be tested as they run out for their third game in a week.
Recovery rather than training will have been the focus at Blacktown over the last few days which could leave the title-chasers a little vulnerable.
The last time the Wanderers were forced to play three games in a week earlier this season they weren't up to the task, going down in the third and final game of that stretch 1-0 to Adelaide.
Jets – Newcastle haven't had too many problems this season building up there play from the back and into midfield.
But it's once the ball gets into the final third where they are having trouble, often wasting the final pass or taking the wrong option.
It's meant they have only scored 20 goals from their 20 games this season, with only Perth Glory (19 goals) possessing a worse attacking record. They'll need to start adding some quality to their finishing if they are to start picking up consistent results to sneak into the top six.
The game breaker:
Joel Griffiths – Griffiths' first game back in a Jets jersey came against the Wanderers last month, with the veteran striker shown a red card after the final whistle for a tirade at referee Ben Williams.
It means he should have a point to prove and Newcastle could well do with his pace and eye for goal to spark their stuttering attack.
Adam Taggart got a brace against the Wanderers last time out and could do with a bit more support from the likes of Griffiths and Emile Heskey in front of goal.
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