Hi All,
Hyundai A-League action continues today with a massive three games starting at 2.40 WST, but it is the final game of the night that I am most interested in. Perth Glory take on Melbourne City in a must win game should they wish to play finals in a few months time.
Preview
A lot has been said of Perth's poor form, winning just three of their last ten A League matches, but there is some upside. In their last home game they beat Western Sydney 3-1, while at home against Melbourne City they have won 2 of their last 3 boasting big 3-2 and 5-4 wins respectively.
Kilkenny Factor
Former City midfielder Neil Kilkenny was once a key man of his former club, but was forced to look elsewhere after being repeatedly benched by Melbourne City Coach Warren Joyce. They say 'hell hath no fury like a women scorn', but we all know the motivation a footballer can carry against a former club, especially when they didn't leave on their own terms. Kilkenny, 32, was brought up through the Arsenal youth system, played for some big clubs in England and then couldn't get a game in Melbourne. Expect a big performance from him today.
Key Youngsters
Both teams possess some great young talent with City's Daniel Arzani probably edging Perth's Jacob Italiano who was recently linked with some top level clubs in Europe, to no avail. Arzani caused Glory a massive headache last time they played, particularly to left back Marc Warren who fortunately for Perth fans has left the club. He's cumbersome, slow, has poor anticipation and once he was isolated against a player of Arzani's speed had no real option but to foul.
Arzani and Italiano both can play key roles tonight, and with the likes of Bruno Formaroli not fully match fit for City and Adam Taggart in the same boat for Glory, they may well be called upon to make an impact for their respective managers.
The Castro Key
For me, the best player in the A-League, probably since Alessandro Del Piero graced the east coast. The former La Liga winger is a joy to watch, can get out of tight spaces, deadly with set pieces and has excellent vision. He is the brain of the Perth side and is a big reason they stay competitive from an attacking point of view in most of their matches. He links nicely with the sluggish but crafty Andy Keogh and goals do come.
Predictions
Glory good value here at $3.10 for the "upset" given this is a must win match for them, and they do possess some attacking talent. Melbourne City favorites, and while I do think they will find the back of the net, so will Perth. Both teams to score @ $1.50 to start the weekend off in style.
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