Perth Glory will face Melbourne Victory this Saturday, February 1, 2025, at HBF Park, hoping to turn around their season as they host their rivals for the A-League clash.
Both teams come to this match with contrasting emotions. After recently securing their first win in six games against Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory now sits sixth on the A-League table with 22 points from 14 matches. The win came as they dominated the match, winning 2-0 and bringing them back on track after enduring significant struggles leading up to the game.
Meanwhile, Perth Glory is fighting to recover from their season's troubles. Their performance has been lackluster, managing only two wins across their last 15 matches. They come off the back of a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Newcastle Jets, where they showed commendable resilience, coming from behind twice. Despite this, they've garnered just nine points, placing them one spot above bottom-placed Brisbane Roar.
Head coach David Zdrilic’s side will be eager to leverage their home ground advantage, though they must contend with their defensive vulnerabilities, which have been evident this season. With key players like Nikola Mileusnic still sidelined and David Williams out with long-term injuries, their attacking options are limited. Their anticipated lineup includes Sail (GK), Risdon, Mrcela, Mourdoukoutas, Lisolajski, Ostler, O’Neill, Gomulka, Pearman, Taggart, and Wood.
On the other hand, Melbourne Victory’s squad is full strength, reporting no injuries or suspensions. Coach Arthur Diles is likely to maintain the same lineup from their last match, which could give them the needed stability. Their projected starting XI is as follows: Langerak (GK), Rawlins, Hamill, Roderick, Bos, Teague, Valadon, Sloane-Rodrigues, Machach, Velupillay, and Vergos.
Historically, the numbers favor Melbourne. They have won four consecutive matches against Perth, outscoring them 11-2 and keeping two clean sheets since their last goalless draw back in April 2023. This rivalry has often seen Melbourne come out on top, leaving Perth proud of just one home victory among eight home games this season.
According to The Sporting News, Perth is eyeing to improve upon this abysmal home record. "Perth have picked up nine points from their 15 A-League matches so far to sit bottom but one in the standings," emphasizing their struggles to find consistency.
With Melbourne recently showing signs of returning to form, they are predicted to capitalize on Perth's defensive frailties. "Diles' men boast the firepower needed to get the job done and should come away with the three points," the article indicated, hinting at the pressure on Perth as they look for redemption.
The match will kick off at 9:45 p.m. local time (AEDT) and will be available for streaming on Paramount+. Unfortunately, it will not be broadcast live on TV. Fans can expect to see some exciting football as both sides fight for their season's hopes.
Overall, with Perth Glory struggling to find their footing and Melbourne Victory gaining confidence, the stage is set for what should be an intriguing encounter. Fans will be eager to witness if Perth can overturn their fortunes or if Melbourne will continue their good run, enhancing their play-off challenges.