Perth coach Dave Mitchell will again look to youth when he selects his squad for Sunday’s clash against Newcastle after several of his regular starters have been ruled out through injury and international commitments.
Leading scorers Eugene Dadi and Nikita Rukavytsya are both unavailable, leaving Jamie Harnwell and Dutch midfielder Viktor Sikora as two possible attacking options Mitchell could deploy.
Last minute goals have decided the outcome of both matches the sides have played this season and Mitchell is again expecting a tough tussle.
“Newcastle will want to put in a big performance at their home ground and show everyone they’re building for next year so it will be a difficult match from the point of who we’re playing and also because we-re missing our two leading scorers,” Mitchell said.
“The positive is that it gives us an opportunity to have a look at a few players with a view to next season and that will give everyone plenty of motivation to do well.”
Talented defender David Tarka returns to the squad and could be given a starting role after overcoming a niggling injury that has prevented him from operating at his full capacity this season.
“David needs to get some minutes on the pitch and we-ll give him as long as possible out there,” said Mitchell.
“It has been frustrating for David again this season with a quad injury keeping him out of action but we know his ability and we-re keen to give him every opportunity.”
Hayden Doyle returns to the first-team squad having played the majority of the season in the National Youth League.
“Hayden has continued to put in the hard work and has played well with the Youth Team. He hurt his ankle a couple of times which set him back a bit but he is a terrific lad and deserves to get another chance to see what he can do at the top level,” Mitchell said.
After giving their home fans the perfect send off last week against Melbourne, the Glory are keen to improve their away record and build confidence heading into next season.
“There is no doubt we want to win the last few games of our season and put in a strong performance,” Mitchell said.
“While we’ll be looking at things for next season there is still a focus on getting as much out of this season as possible. Training has been as intense as always we’re going all out for the three points this weekend.”
