Perth Glory vs Melbourne Victory: Round 14 Preview

The second-third of the A-League season wraps this weekend, with Melbourne meeting last-placed Perth Glory.

It’s another away game for the Victory, who have only had one at home in the last four matches. But Melbourne will have a week’s rest after this, thanks to Adelaide United’s Club World Cup schedule.

Ernie Merrick yesterday tipped that he would start Grant Brebner, whose form (and fitness) has been diminished over the past month. The Scotsman has started the last two matches but been substituted off at half time. Evan Berger, meanwhile, appears to be ready to return from his injury. I for one have missed the youngster, who added grit and determination to the side.

Merrick has also indicated that Carlos Hernández will be played off the bench, amid concerns that the Costa Rican isn’t quite ready to play a full 90 yet. Maybe so, but I hope Ernie gives Hernández more than 15-20 minutes to work his magic. Hernández made a belated appearance last week in which he clearly lifted Melbourne’s game, but it was too late. It would be great to see Hernández given a full 45 minutes.

Last week, I tipped a win for the Glory, but they were robbed of three points by a late equalizer from the boot of Sasho Petrovski. That draw adds to the pressure this week, as Glory coach David Mitchell has already declared that this is a must-win affair for his side. Perth are on 12 points, well clear of the 18 it currently requires to be in the top 4.

But desperate teams are dangerous, something which Melbourne must be wary of. While we can dream of another 4-0 thrashing, we should realistically expect something much more difficult. The key will be scoring early and putting Perth on the backfoot. The Glory are confidence starved and seem to fall apart when they’re a goal or two down.

My tips for the weekend:

• Adelaide United to draw with Wellington Phoenix. A fourth win in a row for the Phoenix would be truly something; Adelaide are looking very fragile at the moment; but I think the home side will dig in and find themselves a goal or two, enough to draw with Wellington.
• Central Coast Mariners to beat Queensland Roar. This is a critical game for both sides, who are fourth and third, separated by a point. Queensland have the edge on the ladder, but I’m tipping the home side will overtake them.
• Perth Glory to be kept on 12 points, as the mighty Melbourne Victory put at least 2 past them. If Melbourne can take the lead early on (and maintain it), they’ll be halfway there.
• Newcastle Jets to beat Sydney FC. Newcastle desperately need a win this weekend, as they are stranded on the bottom with Perth. Sydney’s poor form is starting to catch up with it, as it has sunk to 6th place. I expect that poor form to continue this weekend, with Newcastle getting the three points they need.