Perth Glory FC has urged its fans and supporters to get behind the team for this Sunday’s Hyundai A-League second round encounter against reigning champions, Brisbane Roar.
The Perth-Brisbane rivalry has intensified following Perth Glory FC’s heartbreaking loss to the Roar in the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League Grand Final and the history of the clash isn’t only exciting the fans. Glory’s Irish import Andy Keogh said he can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about.
“There’s a vibe amongst the boys that tells me this game is about more than just three points,” Keogh said.
“Obviously there is history between the two clubs with the Grand Final loss in 2012, but we know that is in the past now. It still won’t stop some of the boys like Vuka (Daniel Vukovich) getting fired up I’m sure.”
Keogh, who is set to make his Hyundai A-League start in front of the Shed this weekend, said he was relishing the chance to fire Glory to another victory after opening the scoring last weekend.
The 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix was the perfect start for Kenny Lowe’s men, having recorded the most shots of any club from the opening round of the Hyundai A-League.
“They say fortune favours the brave, and we went for it,” Lowe said.
“If we are going to get up the league and we’re going to improve on last year, that’s what we need to do as a minimum.”
“Hopefully we can continue on in the same vein as it’s the first home game. We want to send a message out there that this is what you can expect every week,” he said.
Glory isn’t expected to make many changes to last week’s line up, with new signings Youssouf Hersi and Andy Keogh likely to lead the attack line again on Sunday.
Keogh was also voted QBE’s man of the match last week and once again, fans can visit http://qbeinsured.com.au/motm and vote during the game until 1 hour after, to select their Man of the Match and be in the running to win a signed Perth Glory FC jersey.
Tickets are still on sale ahead of this season’s first home game. Click here for more!
Perth Glory FC take on Brisbane Roar this Sunday at nib Stadium at 2pm. (gates open 12.45)
The club’s number one ticket holder and Australian sport hero Dawn Fraser will also make a flying visit to Perth and take part in the coin toss, prior to kick-off.
Last Time They Met
In February this year, Perth Glory made the long trip to Brisbane only to fall to a 3 -1 defeat with goals to Ivan Franjic, Liam Miller and Thomas Broich. Former striker Shane Smeltz grabbed a consolation goal late for the Glory in the 91st minute.
Behind Enemy Lines
Brisbane Roar, suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday.
The defeat was compounded when veteran Matt McKay received his marching orders for dissent in the 72nd minute. As a result, the Match Review Panel suspended McKay for two matches. It means Roar manager Mike Mulvey will be forced to make at least one change with Adam Sarota and Steve Lustica set to battle it out for a place in the starting XI.
Perth Glory Squad:
1. Daniel VUKOVIC (GK), 2. Jack CLISBY, 3. Brandon O’NEILl, 5. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 6. Dino DJULBIC, 7. Youssouf HERSI, 9. Andy KEOGH, 10. Nebosja MARINKOVIC, 11. Richard GARCIA, 13. Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Chris HAROLD, 15. Jamie MACLAREN, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 19. Josh RISDON, 21. Scott JAMIESON, 23. Michael THWAITE (C), 26. Harry O’BRIEN (** Two to be omitted**)
IN: Jack CLISBY, Harry O’BRIEN.
OUT: Nil.
UNAVAILABLE: Ruben ZADKOVICH (back – one week), Sidnei SCIOLA (calf – three weeks)
Brisbane Roar Squad:
2. Matt SMITH (C), 3. Shane STEFANUTTO, 4. Adam SAROTA, 7. Mensur KURTISHI, 8. Steve LUSTICA, 10. Henrique, 11. Liam MILLER, 12. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 13. Jade NORTH, 14. Daniel BOWLES, 15. James DONACHIE, Luke BRATTAN, 19 Jack HINGERT, 20. Kofi DANNING, 21. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Dimitri PETRATOS, 30. Matthew ACTON (GK) (** Two to be omitted**)
IN: Adam Sarota (returning from injury), Daniel Bowles, Kofi Danning
OUT: Matt McKay (suspension – 2 weeks)
UNAVAILABLE: Michael THEO (wrist – two months), Corey BROWN (rib – one week), George LAMBARDARIDIS (knee – four weeks)
Broadcast Information
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 1HD & 1 from 2pm (WST)
Radio Broadcast: 720 ABC Perth, 612 ABC Brisbane, ABC Grandstand Digital, A-League Live Mobile app.
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