I made the same comment last week but things cannot get any worse for Perth Glory.
Surely they are close to a win. Aren't they? Well, if their first half against Adelaide United on Wednesday night is anything to go by, they are definitely close but if they continue to give up easy goals and have players sent off - as they did in the second half - then things will only deteriorate.
The players keep putting on a brave face by saying that morale and confidence is high but they have lost nine of their last 10 which says to me that these two things can only be suffering.
Coach Ian Ferguson continues to make changes to the line-up but whatever he puts out on the park either doesn't want to win or is simply not good enough. It doesn't bode well for the club who when firing attract strong crowds and play very attractive football.
But that has been few and far between this season and what's worse is they take on a wounded Melbourne Victory outfit who are coming off a loss - and a loss caused by an own goal nonetheless.
The Victory have a poor record against the Glory in Western Australia and have not won in their past five away matches but thankfully for them, they come up against an outfit devoid of any winning form whatsoever and will go in favourites.
Archie Thompson is a likely starter for the Victory, who have been poor in the front third this term, and his presence should spark some creativity from players around him which should be enough to perform a smash and grab mission and move closer to the top four.
Verdict: Victory 2-0
Perth Glory v Melbourne VictoryDate: Sunday, 14 November 2010 Venue: nib Stadium, Perth Local kick-off: 4.00pm local (7.00pm AEDT) Referee: Chris Beath Head-to-head: All matches (played 16): Perth Glory wins 6, Melbourne Victory wins 6 (4 draws) Match fact: Having not won any of their previous five away matches, the Melbourne Victory will be aiming to avoid equalling the club's record for longest winless streak on the road (six).
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & Sky Sport 3 (NZ). A-League club broadcast partner is 882 6PR (Perth) and 774 ABC (Melbourne). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.au
Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI (gk), 2.Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Andy TODD, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 7.Jacob BURNS, 9.Robbie FOWLER, 10.Michael BAIRD, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Tommy AMPHLETT, 14.Steven McGARRY, 15. Howard FONDYKE, 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 18. Brent GRIFFTHS, 20. Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21. Mile STERJOVSKI, 25. Ryan PEARSON *three to be omitted* In: Josh MITCHELL (promoted), Jacob BURNS (back from suspension), Mile STERJOVSKI (returns from injury), Ryan PEARSON (promoted) Out: Naum SEKULOVSKI (suspended - 1 game) Unavailable: 6. Chris COYNE (on loan - 4 weeks), 8. Victor SIKORA (Hip - 2 weeks)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2. Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3. Mate DUGANDZIC, 4. Petar FRANJIC, 5.Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 10. Archie THOMPSON, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 23. Adrian LEIJER, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY *three to be omitted* In: Petar FRANJIC (promoted), Marvin ANGULO (promoted) Out: Ricardinho (knee - 3 weeks), Diogo FERREIRA (thigh strain) Robbie KRUSE (quad - 2 weeks) Unavailable: Nil
