The A-League Men’s returns this week, with the Glory finally returning to Perth, albeit at a different yet picturesque venue.
Clearly, it’s not ideal to be playing games away from HBF Park but Macedonia Park certainly looks like a ground capable of producing an intimidating atmosphere that could be vital for Ruben Zadkovich’s men to get the three points against Western United.
It’s been a difficult start to the season for Perth, as the team currently finds themselves on the foot of the ladder, but our opponents aren’t exactly in a much better state.
Last season’s champions managed to produce an impressive come from behind 3-2 win against the Wellington Phoenix prior to the World Cup break, however, their form has been rather sketchy during the first five games.
With one point separating United in 11th and the Glory in 12th, as well as four points separating Glory from Sydney FC in 6th, it is critical for Zadkovich’s men to get the job done on Saturday night.
Two players that the Glory will have to keep an eye on, are veteran playmaker Alessandro Diamanti and powerful striker Aleksandar Prijović.
Those two were instrumental in the win away to the Phoenix, with the Italian and Serbian both getting on the scoresheet at integral moments in the game.
Young forward Nicolas Milanovic has also impressed in recent weeks, through his speed and three goals scored.
Stopping former Glory boys Neil Kilkenny and Josh Risdon will also be an essential objective.
Kilkenny, as usual, has been pulling the strings for John Aloisi’s men while Risdon has started the season in very impressive form, ranking first amongst his teammates for Successful Tackles and Interceptions per 90 and second for Possession Won in the Final Third.
In terms of where the Glory could hurt Western United, for me, the key is whether we’ve improved our structures and processes in possession.
I know I’ve banged on about this point on various platforms for some time now, but to me, it’s been a clear problem that has hindered our productivity in the forward line and in turn our ability to thwart the opposition’s attacks in our defensive third.
Most teams have had joy against Western United when the passing is penetrative, and the transitions are quick.
It’s important to note that they are the oldest team in the competition, and this has been evident with their frequent collapse in defensive structure, which was so solid and resolute in the 2021/22 season.
Generating the space, but more importantly, the opportunities for someone like Ryan Williams could also be a way the Glory could have some joy.
Williams is a willing runner who has an incredible work rate and stamina, so I believe his endurance and speed could be crucial in the game.
Unlocking the opportunities for him to get in behind or drive at Ben Garruccio, would see the winger display his talents at his best.
I think two players that should get a start against Western United should be Luke Bodnar and Giordano Colli.
Firstly, on Bodnar, I rate this guy so highly. As a natural 6, his profile is insane for players his age and position in the A-League. He was solid against Adelaide United and Melbourne City, so I would keep him in the starting line-up.
I would also keep Giordano Colli. Now, this is a player who I did have serious reservations about, roughly six to twelve months ago, however now he looks like a really impressive player whose confidence and ability will improve as the games go by.
In relation to squad news, Johnny Koutroumbis, Aaron McEneff, Mustafa Amini, Cameron Cook, Keegan Jelecic and David Williams return to the squad as Luke Ivanovic, Pierce Clarke and Stefan Colakovski make way.
So, in terms of a prediction as well as general expectations for the clash on Saturday night, it’s clear that the Glory will have to come out with all guns blazing.
Obviously, the start of the season, with five games away from home as well as other variables such as accumulative loading playing a toll on player performance, it’s not been easy.
Though having said that, we’re back at home and the expectation should be that the players should be playing at a much better tempo with greater intensity on and off the ball.
I think we can get a result against Western United, but it’ll be a big challenge. If we can break down their structure and create high-quality opportunities for our forwards, we’re a big chance.
However, I think the most likely result will be a draw. The atmosphere at Macedonia Park could be instrumental in giving the Glory some much-needed momentum and confidence.
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