Perth captain Jacob Burns doesn’t believe the absence of marquee player Brett Emerton will make the Glory’s task of beating Sydney FC on Saturday much easier.
Perth captain Jacob Burns doesn’t believe the absence of marquee player Brett Emerton will make the Glory’s task of beating Sydney FC on Saturday much easier.
The Glory will be trying to break a two-game losing streak when they host the Sky Blues and are somewhat fortunate the former Blackburn Rovers winger will miss the match due to his Socceroos duties.
Emerton has been integral to Sydney’s improved run of form, which has seen them take seven points from their last three games and climb to third spot.
But Burns said third-placed Perth couldn’t take Vitezslav Lavicka’s side lightly just because Emerton wouldn’t be around.
“Emerton is a quality player but he’s not their only one. They’ve got a handful of good players who we’ll have to watch,” he said.
“They’re a good side, they’ve got plenty of talent and they’ll probably be confident after the 3-2 win over Gold Coast in the last minute.”
“We know a win can separate us from them on the ladder, so it’s a very important game.”
“We’re going to concentrate more on our own game. Here at home, especially, if we’re hitting our straps they’re going to have to deal with us.”
One man Burns said the Glory would have to be wary of was in-form playmaker Nick Carle, who has scored three goals in the last three games and played a vital role in Sydney’s comeback win against Gold Coast.
“Nicky is a fantastic player and he’s even better when he’s confident,” Burns said.
“He seems to be doing the biz and getting goals so I’m going to have to be on my toes and I’m looking forward to the occasion.”
Perth comes into the game, where they will celebrate their 15th birthday, on the back of away defeats to Central Coast and Newcastle and the captain said there were aspects his side would have to significantly improve on to take the three points against Sydney.
“Everyone wants to set it right,” Burns said.
“We started very slow and it was patchy in areas. You can’t start games like that … and to concede what I considered quite soft goals, we were all quite disappointed. We’re concentrating on not letting that happen again.”
