Perth will be looking to seal their finals spot this Saturday night when they take on rivals Brisbane Roar at nib Stadium.
The first of two absolutely crucial home fixtures is almost upon us. The quest for a top four finish and home final could hinge on this blockbuster against John Aloisi’s men.
Glory fought gallantly last week, with Castro’s penalty on the stroke of half-time ensuring parity in a 1-1 draw against a spirited and much improved Adelaide United side at Coopers Stadium.
The boys will have to be at their best to overcome a Brisbane side who dismantled the lowly Central Coast Mariners 5-1 on match day 25. Perth will be looking to get their first win over the Roar this season after an entertaining 2-2 draw back in Round 20.
The match will also be Diego Castro’s 50th for the club, adding extra incentive for Kenny Lowe’s men to get the result for their Spanish talisman.
Milestone Man: Diego Castro
There’s not a lot more we can say about ‘El Maestro’ that hasn’t already been said. His time at the club has simply been top draw and all class both on and off the pitch. The former Getafe star has added a unique flavour, with his touch, vision and series of nutmegs on opposition players setting the Hyundai A-League alight.
In his time at the club, he’s managed almost a goal every second game with 24 strikes so far and has won a string of awards including the 2015/2016 Johnny Warren Medal for best player in the competition, as well as Glory’s Most Glorious Player.
Castro’s 50th appearance will be a great occasion, but we’re sure it will not distract the Spaniard from wanting all three points.
Key Battle: Adam Taggart v Jamie Maclaren
While they’ll be nowhere near each other on the pitch, the head-to-head battle between two of Australia’s finest young striking talents will be intriguing, to say the least. Both players have enjoyed fantastic seasons spearheading their respective side’s attacks, with Taggart netting 10 times and Maclaren is the joint top goalscorer in the league with 18 strikes so far. Either of these two mercurial players are bound to play a significant role in the outcome of this massive tie.
Last Time We Met: Saturday 18th February 2017 – Round 20: Perth Glory 2-2 Brisbane Roar
This entertaining encounter at nib Stadium saw Glory showcase their character and heart, as they came from behind twice to salvage a point against a strong Brisbane outfit. Nebo Marinkovic cancelled out former Perth striker Maclaren’s opener before Taggart ensured the spoils were shared shortly after the interval.
MATCH DETAILS:
Saturday, 8 April 2017
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar FC
nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-Off: 8:00PM (Local) (10:00PM (AEST))
Referee: Chris Beath
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Cream
Assistant Referee 2: Paul Cetrangolo
Fourth Official: Adam Fielding
Video Assistant Referee: Craig Zetter
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on Fox Sports 505 from 8:00PM (AWST) 9.55pm (AEST)
Radio Broadcast: ABC Radio Brisbane, ABC Radio Qld, Grandstand Digital, Online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-league Live
SQUADS:
Perth Glory Squad: 3. Liam REDDY (GK), 3. Marc WARREN, 5. Rhys WILLIAMS, 6. Dino DJULBIC, 7. Joel CHIANESE, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS (C), 9. Andy KEOGH, 11. Richard GARCIA, 13. Nick FEELY (GK), 14. Chris HAROLD, 15. Brandon WILSON, 16. Joe MILLS, 17. Diego CASTRO, 18. Mitch OXBORROW, 19. Josh RISDON, 22. Adam TAGGART, 26. Lucian GOIAN, 28. Joe KNOWLES
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 5. Rhys WILLIAMS (returns from suspension), 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS (returns from injury)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 2. Alex GRANT (foot – season), 4. Shane LOWRY (quad – season), 10. Nebo MARINKOVIC (groin – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar FC Squad: 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Corey BROWN, 7. Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8. Jacob PEPPER, 9. Jamie MACLAREN, 10. Brett HOLMAN, 13. Jade NORTH (C), 15. ARANA, 16. Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 19. Jack HINGERT, 20. Shannon BRADY, 21. Jamie YOUNG (gk), 25. Kye ROWLES, 26. Nick D’AGOSTINO, 28. Brandon BORRELLO, 29. Joe CALETTI, 43. Tomislav BILIC (GK), 46. Cameron CRESTANI
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS (promoted), 20.Shannon BRADY (promoted), 25.Kye ROWLES (promoted), 46.Cameron CRESTANI (promoted)
Outs: 6. Avram PAPADOPOULOS (not selected), 22. Thomas BROICH (not selected)
Unavailable: 4. Daniel BOWLES (knee – season), 11. Tommy OAR (hamstring – 1 week), 17. Matt MCKAY (knee – 4 weeks), 24. Connor O’TOOLE (ankle – 2 weeks)
#GloryIsOurs
