Hyundai A-League Round 26 Preview – Sydney FC v Perth Glory

Sydney FC v Perth Glory Preview
Parramatta Stadium
Sunday 7th February 2010

After somehow contriving to lose a game that they should have won comfortably at Brisbane last time out, Sydney FC’s minor premiership hopes are hanging by a thread and they could even slip out of the top four if they lose to both Perth Glory on Sunday and Melbourne Victory next weekend. Goalscoring remains a major issue for coach Vitezslav Lavicka, with the Sky Blues finding the back of the net on just six occasions in the last eight games. Calls are growing for youngster Chris Payne to be promoted from the bench to the starting eleven, but Sydney could also do with their midfielders chipping in with goals on a far more regular basis.

Glory, meanwhile, are building up an impressive head of steam as they prepare for their maiden finals appearance. Dave Mitchell’s side have now won three on the bounce, due in no small part to new recruit Daniel McBreen who has netted four times in as many appearances. For the trip to Sydney, Mitchell will again be without skipper Jacob Burns who remains sidelined by a hamstring tear, along with Adriano Pellegrino whose season has been ended prematurely by a knee problem, while Mile Sterjovski and Tando Velaphi are both struggling to overcome injuries in time to feature.

Although the visitors still have an eye on sneaking into fourth spot and securing a home semi-final, it is the hosts who come into this game under pressure and a fascinating contest looks to be in prospect. Sydney’s home record is impressive and Glory’s road form is poor, but the West Australian side are in confident mood and may just secure a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Sydney FC 1-1 Perth Glory