Perth Glory FC free-kick specialist Nebo Marinkovic is confident of stealing a positive result when the West Australians face off against Championship contenders Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The 30-year old international Serbian scored a sublime goal from the top of the box to help secure a 2-0 win against Wellington Phoenix at the weekend and is feeling upbeat about taking on Tim Cahill and the City group machine.
“Big challenge, big team. Good team. One of the best in the league this season, they have good players,” he said.
“It will be a very tough game for us but we go there to take some points from them.”
However the Serbian midfielder stressed his team would need to improve in all areas to nullify John van’t Schip’s side.
“We must give a better effort. Everyone. All the players. In the paper, they’re better team than those two (Central Coast and Wellington) but you know this league, everyone can beat everyone.
“I’ve played almost three years here; I know that the last season and season before we played better some games against better teams so for us maybe it’s better to play against better squads.
In what was his first start for the season, the midfielder is aware of the competition for places this season but is confident he can do the job when Kenny Lowe calls for his services.
“We have a very strong squad. Very good players this year so everyone will be out and in, so I just train and do my job 100%. I believe in myself. I have confidence that coach gives me a chance. I just want to play of course.”
Right back Josh Risdon also echoed Marinkovic’s thoughts on the big game that lay ahead this week against City.
“They’ve shown that they are real title contenders in their first two games,” said the Bunbury born native.
“It’s gonna be a tough game against them Friday night. Quick turnaround for us but we are going over with high confidence and hoping to get something out of the game.”
It will be a special occasion for Risdon as he will equal the club’s record for the most number of Hyundai A-League appearances set by former Glory captain, Jamie Coyne.
“Yeah, it’s very exciting. Perth Glory is such a rich club and I’m very grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me and to be the equal A-League games record holder is a very proud moment.”
The team faces Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Friday night. Kick-off is at 7.50pm AEDT.
