A wounded Perth Glory head to Gosford on Sunday knowing a win over Central Coast Mariners will have the club on the cusp of their maiden Hyundai A-League Premiership.
Despite losing 2-0 against Melbourne Victory last Saturday night, Glory remains in the box seat for the Premiers’ Plate with a six-point buffer to second-placed Sydney FC.
With just four rounds to go – and a plus eleven goal difference over the Sky Blues – Tony Popovic’s side are just two wins from nabbing the club’s first piece of silverware.
Which should ring the alarm bells for the bottom-placed Mariners.
Ironically, the only other time Glory suffered a defeat this season (in Round 9 against Sydney FC), they came up against the Mariners the following week.
READ: How to watch Hyundai A-League Round 24
THE RUN HOME: Predicting the Hyundai A-League’s final four rounds
FROM THE BASEMENT TO THE FINALS: Golec loving new lease of life in Wellington
On that occasion Perth came away with a 4-1 win in Gosford and they will return there on Sunday hell-bent on a similar performance and result.
Interestingly though, the Mariners have actually won 16 of 21 home games against Perth over the Hyundai A-League’s history.
But it would take some effort from Alen Stajcic and his men to add to that impressive record in this one.
While the Mariners have certainly improved since Stajcic’s arrival, this is their biggest test yet.
And facing a Glory team with the likes of Andy Keogh, Diego Castro, Christopher Ikonomidis and Neil Kilkenny all in form will certainly test their belief and mental resolve.
Key Opta stats
- Perth Glory have won their last three games on the bounce against Central Coast Mariners, scoring three or more goals on each occasion.
- There have been 24 goals scored in the Mariners’ last four Hyundai A-League games at home, though just seven of those have been scored by the home side.
- Glory striker Andy Keogh has been caught offside on 28 occasions this season, more than any other player in the Hyundai A-League.
Ins and outs
Both squads will be announced on Thursday.
How to watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to watch the final game of Round 24, which kicks off at 7.00pm (AET) on Sunday. You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Tickets
CLICK HERE to get your tickets for the clash at Central Coast Stadium.