A-League Preview: Wellington Phoenix - Perth Glory

Jekyll And Hyde

A 6-0 thrashing of the Gold Coast was promptly followed by a rather more meek 3-1 defeat at the hands of Sydney FC before a 3-0 thumping of Newcastle upon their return to New Zealand, epitomizing a Jekyll and Hyde personality that sees the Phoenix alternate between home and away personalities.

Herbert’s side thrive on the surroundings of Westpac Stadium whilst being considerably more reserved on the road, more so than most other A-League sides and perhaps understandable given their foreign status.

Their dependency on the Yellow Fever – the resident partisan supporter group – makes pushes for finals football all the more tight and makes matches like the one coming up against Perth a must win.

They’ll be hoping the more aggressive half of their personality turns up for this clash.

Dark Horses

With the likes of Mile Sterjovski, Branco Jelic and Victor Sikora ever capable of producing flashes of individual brilliance that can win matches, Perth remain the competition’s dark horse.

And whilst not having gelled quite as much as the other title favourites they are one side who are infinitely capable of upsetting them.

However, it is against the less reputable sides in the competition where the Glory need to consolidate their push for finals football and ensure themselves finals football, where a growing home support could bring a potent mix to the club.

FORM GUIDE

Wellington Phoenix

Oct 2.  Gold Coast United 0-0 Wellington Phoenix
Oct 17.  North Queensland Fury 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
Oct 25.  Wellington Phoenix 6-0 Sydney FC
Nov 1.  Sydney FC 3-1 Wellington Phoenix
Nov 4.  Wellington Phoenix 3-0 Newcastle Jets

Perth Glory

Oct 3.  Perth Glory 1-1 North Queensland Fury
Oct 9.  Perth Glory 1-0 Adelaide United
Oct 18.  Gold Coast United 1-2 Perth Glory
Oct 24.  North Queensland Fury 2-1 Perth Glory
Nov 1.  Perth Glory 1-2 Melbourne Victory

TEAM NEWS

Wellington Phoenix

In: Mark Paston (GK, return from injury), Diego (promoted), Michael Ferrante (promoted), Jiang Chen (promoted), David Mulligan, Marco Rojas
Out: Jonathan Gould (GK, short-term injury cover)

Possible Line-up: (4-4-2) Paston, Lochhead, Durante(c), Sigmund, Muscat, Daniel, Brown, Lia, Bertos, Ifill, Greenacre

Perth Glory

In: Branko JELIC (return from illness), Scott BULLOCH (promoted)
Out: Nil

Possible Line-up: (4-4-1-1) Velaphi, Sekulovski, Todd, Chris Coyne, Jamie Coyne, Howarth, Shroj, Burns(c), Pellegrino, Sterjovski, Jelic

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Paul Ifill (Wellington Phoenix) – Turning out to be one of the best purchases across the league this season, single-handedly destroyed the Gold Coast and has generally looked a class above most of the other players in the competition with his finishing and hold-up play. One of the league’s most difficult striker’s to contain.

Mile Sterjovski (Perth Glory) – More than anyone else, this is the man who the Glory need to start firing if they are to make a legitimate title challenge this season. Has produced flashes of brilliance such as his strike from range against the Victory but the Socceroo needs to do it more often, both for the good of his club and international career.

PREDICTION

Wellington are an extremely tough proposition at home and have proven they have the requisite quality to take it to the league’s top teams – the Glory will be next to fall.

Wellington Phoenix 2-0 Perth Glory

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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