A-League Round 5 – Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix

The final game of A-League round 5 action sees Perth Glory hosting the Wellington Phoenix.

The Glory were lucky to come away with a draw when they met the Melbourne Heart away last weekend but managed to retain top spot and will go into this one knowing a win could set up their season.

Perth’s form at home makes them favourites to take this one out especially as the Phoenix find it hard to win away from Westpac Stadium.

Their 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar last week was not a massive disaster but indicated that they much rather the comfortable territory of their home stadium and a trip to Perth, where crowds have picked up since the signing of Robbie Fowler, may be a very difficult assignment.

The Phoenix are a quality outfit but on this occasion I feel that the home side should just be good enough to salute.

Verdict: Glory 2-1.

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Sunday, 5 September 2010
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Local kick-off: 3.00pm (5.00pm AEST)
Head-to-Head: All matches (played 10): Perth Glory wins 3, Wellington Phoenix wins 4 (3 draws)
Referee: Ben Williams

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 882 6PR (Perth) and 1035AM The Radio Network (Wellington). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au

Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Andy TODD, 5. Jamie HARNWELL, 7. Jacob BURNS (C), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI, 21. Mile STERJOVSKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. Andrija JUKIC, 24. Josh RISDON *three to be omitted*
In: Andy TODD (returns from injury), Jamie HARNWELL (returns from injury), Mile STERJOVSKI (returns from injury), 23. Andrija JUKIC (promoted)
Out: Michael BAIRD (suspended – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: Victor SIKORA (hip- 4 weeks), Chris COYNE (On loan – 11 weeks)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Nick WARD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER *one to be omitted*
In: Nick WARD (new signing)
Out: Manny MUSCAT (international duty – 1 week)
Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee – 2 weeks), Jade NORTH (overseas – 1 week), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs – 6 weeks), Manny MUSCAT (international duty – 1 week)