Popovic says Glory must silence fantastic Victory attack to get clean sheet record

Tony Popovic has urged Perth Glory to dull Melbourne Victory’s star-studded front line as the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers attempt to secure a club record fifth consecutive clean sheet on Saturday night.

Perth have kept a remarkable six clean sheets in their last seven fixtures prior to the weekend’s crunch match at HBF Park against the four-time Champions. 

It will be 42 days since Glory last conceded a league goal by the time kick off (9.45pm AEDT) takes place in Western Australia.

But as the ex-National Soccer League giants attempt to break club history, Popovic is aware his charges must do so against what he considers one of the Hyundai A-League’s most potent attacks, including Ola Toivonen, Robbie Kruse, Andrew Nabbout, and returning club favourite, Marco Rojas.

Although Victory have lost three league fixtures on the bounce, Tuesday’s inspiring 1-0 win over Kashima Antlers to book AFC Champions League qualification should give the Carlos Salvachua-coached side a welcome confidence boost as they attempt to break down the competition’s best defence. 

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“It’s a good challenge this week to try and make it five [clean sheets] against on paper is a fantastic front third,” Popovic said. 

“And it’s against another big club. So we now have played two of the biggest clubs in the country in Wanderers and Melbourne City and come away with four very good points from two away games.

“They are big clubs that are expected to be at the top at all times and you look at their roster, you see why.”

Popovic added that Tuesday’s play-off win in Japan – Victory’s first ever away AFC Champions League win in 22 attempts – will do wonders for the team’s belief.

“I think it shows they quality they have. They’ve had some changes but on paper they are still very strong especially in that front third. 

MATCH PREVIEW: Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory 
STATS PREVIEW: Perth can seal record after 400 minutes without conceding

Perth Glory

“They have now added Rojas so that just adds more quality and potency to their attack. Seeing them have that result is not surprising when you look on paper.”

Victory’s hopes of pulling off an upset have been further improved by the return to fitness of German defender Tim Hoogland.

Popovic confirmed Spanish midfielder Juande (groin) would miss the clash, and said defender Osama Malik (hamstring) is nearing a return.

Chris Ikonomidis is back in the matchday squad.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Saturday, 1 February 2020
HBF Park
Kick-off: 6.45pm local, 9.45pm AEDT

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Perth Glory

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