It’s another game of milestones this weekend as Perth Glory FC host the Kings of Asia at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
The Round 23 fixture will be the second time Glory and the Western Sydney Wanderers have clashed on Perth soil.
When the two teams met in Round 6, Glory were victorious 2-1, thanks to a stunning free-kick from defender Scott Jamieson.
This weekend will be a significant match for the 26-year old, who will play his 150th Hyundai A-League match.
The occasion will also be marked by the return of ‘keeper Danny Vukovic who missed last week’s 1-1 draw against his old club Central Coast due to injury.
Vukovic, who turns 30 tomorrow, has only missed one game through injury in a 13 year career.
He said his hip complaint which forced him out was only minor.
“Look, you have to listen to the medical staff. I wanted to play but they thought it was best that I didn’t. I think I’ll be better for it, two weeks off and looking forward to the game on Saturday.”
Glory sit in fourth spot on the table while the Wanderers are last on 11 points.
Vukovic said Western Sydney, which defeated Brisbane Roar 4-1 in a catch up game this week, posed a massive threat despite their low position and heavy schedule.
“It’s going to be a tough game regardless of what team they put out there…we’re hoping they come over a little bit tired, a little bit depleted” he said.
“They’re missing (Tommy) Juric who is with the Socceroos so it’s a good opportunity to play them, I know they have a lot of first teamers out. Really it’s a game we should be dominating, and hopefully we can do that in front of our home fans on Saturday.”
Vukovic said his side was confident of getting back to winning ways against the Wanderers and keeping the pressure on Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix.
“We haven’t won in a while now but we’ve got some games coming up, that really, we should be winning and it starts this Saturday against a team towards the bottom half of the table.It’s a good opportunity to ramp up toward the finals and we’re certainly looking forward to the challenge.”
Michael Thwaite left training early with a thigh complaint but Vukovic was confident his skipper would be available for the weekend.
“I think he pulled up a little sore from the game. He should be fine for the next session,” he said.
According to Fox Lab stats, Glory is one of only two teams (Melbourne City the other) in the Hyundai A-League not to concede from a corner this season.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm and promises to be an intense battle with both sides in desperate need of three points.
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Match Details
Referee: Stephen Lucas
Assistant Referee 1: Josh Manella
Assistant Referee 2: Tim Mihevc
Fourth Official: Daniel Elder
Perth Glory FC squad : 1.Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 4. Riley WOODCOCK, 5.Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 8.Ruben ZADKOVICH, 9.Andy KEOGH, 10.Nebojsa MARINKOVIC, 11.Richard GARCIA,14.Chris Harold, 16.Sidnei SCIOLA, 17.Mitch NICHOLS, 19.Josh RISDON, 21.Scott JAMIESON, 23.Michael THWAITE (c), 25. Mitch OXBORROW 27.Dragan PALJIC, 28. Denis KRAMAR, 30. Jordan THURTELL
***two to be omitted***
Ins: 4. Riley WOODCOCK(promoted), 16.Sidnei SCIOLA (promoted), 25. Mitch OXBORROW(promoted). 30. Jordan THURTELL
International Duty : 15. Jamie MACLAREN, 18. Jack DUNCAN, 20. Danny DE SILVA
Unavailable : 7.Youssouf HERSI (hamstring – season) 13.Diogo FERREIRA(knee-1 week)
