Perth Glory’s ability to quell a potent Melbourne Victory attack and extend their unbeaten run at home this season has been significantly boosted by the return of tough defender Andy Todd.
Perth Glory-s ability to quell a potent Melbourne Victory attack and extend their unbeaten run at home this season has been significantly boosted by the return of tough defender Andy Todd.
The former English Premier League player has been outstanding for Perth this year and will take his place in the heart of Glory-s defence after missing the past two matches through suspension.
Coach Dave Mitchell will also have the luxury of deploying Socceroos star Mile Sterjovski at the other end of the ground as Perth looks to counter Melbourne-s goal scoring exploits.
“Having both of those lads (Sterjovski & Todd) coming back in is important for us, they have been excellent in the games they-ve played this season,” Mitchell said.
“Andy has been a rock at the back and Mile can play in a variety of positions, his versatility allows us to structure up a bit differently if we choose.
“They also bring plenty of experience and class and have a positive impact on the players around them. They-ll be welcome inclusions,” said Mitchell.
Perth took three points at home against Melbourne earlier this season when Branko Jelic slotted a double and will be looking repeat that dose and arrest a two game slide come Sunday.
The Glory has won their past four outings against the Victorians at ME Bank Stadium are again determined to make the trip west an uncomfortable experience.
“We-ve done ok in the past couple of weeks away from home but don-t have anything to show for it so this game is very important for us to get points back on the board,” said Mitchell.
“We were able to get the result when we played Melbourne earlier in the season but they are a very good side and can cause all sorts of problems if we-re not on our toes.
“They-re in-form and I believe they-re the best team we have played so far this season.
“Perth is a difficult place to come and we want to make sure that-s the case again this weekend. We-re strong at home and will be ready to produce our best.”
Hyundai A-League 2009/10 – Rd 13
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 1 November 2009 at ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 4.00pm (AWST)
Referee: Strebre Delovski
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TV broadcast on Fox Sports 1 and Sky Sport 1.
Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 10.Wayne SRHOJ, 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 13.Scott BULLOCH, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC
*one to be omitted*
In: Mile STERJOVSKI (return from injury), Andy TODD (return from suspension)
Out: Victor SIKORA (hamstring – 3 weeks)
Unavailable: Jimmy DOWNEY (knee – 2 weeks), Brent GRIFFITHS (hamstring – 5 weeks), Jamie HARNWELL (knee – 5 weeks)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Matthew KEMP, 8.Grant BREBNER, 10.Archie THOMPSON, 11.NEY FABIANO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Nathan ELASI, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 20.Glen MOSS (gk), 23.Adrian LEIJER, 27.Sutee SUKSOMKIT
In: Rodrigo VARGAS (return from injury)
Out: Surat SUKHA (hamstring – TBC)
Unavailable: Marvin ANGULO (pending registration), Evan BERGER (thigh – 1 week), Billy CELESKI (knee – season), Robbie KRUSE (hamstring – 1 week), Steven PACE (calf – 1 week), Tom PONDELJAK (calf – 3-5 weeks), Nick WARD (infection – 1 week)
*Head-to-Head: Played 13: Perth Glory wins 5, Melbourne Victory wins 4 (4 draws)
