Preview: Sydney FC v Perth Glory

Sydney FC host Perth Glory in Round 27 of the 2013/14 A-League season at Allianz Stadium on Sunday April 13 at 5:00pm AEST.

Sydney FC host Perth Glory in Round 27 of the 2013/14 A-League season at Allianz Stadium on Sunday April 13 at 5:00pm AEST.

Click here to view the Hyundai A-League Match Centre

Head-to-head:
Played: 26, Wins: Sydney 12, Glory 6, Draws 8

Previous encounter:
Sydney 2-1 Glory, February 15 2014

Form:
Past five matches:
Sydney: WDLDW
Glory: WWLLD

The Game:

Sydney FC are on the verge of qualifying for the finals series but will have an idea of what needs to be done before their clash with Perth Glory at Allianz Stadium. The Sky Blues occupy sixth spot, three points ahead of the Newcastle Jets heading into the final round of the season. Defeat of a draw for the Jets on Saturday would secure Sydney’s finals spot before a ball has been kicked on Sunday. Victory for Newcastle, by more than three goals, would mean Frank Farina’s men must claim at least a point against the Glory, who have won two on the bounce. The Sky Blues boss has called for more consistency from his players leading into the finals and a third game without defeat would provide the perfect springboard for a tilt at the title.

The big issue:

Sydney – Consistency. The Sky Blues have shown glimpses of their potential without sustaining it. Sydney won four consecutive games in November but never really built on that form, winning six games since December. Farina may have just found the solution in Australian defender Sasa Ognenovski. The towering veteran has added leadership, passion and discipline to a defence that has struggled for most of the season.

Glory – Perth have been a woeful away from nib Stadium this season. Just one win from 13 games on the road is an unacceptable return for a team that had serious finals aspirations. Since edging the Jets in January, Kenny Lowe’s men have collected one point from a possible 18, leaving them eight points adrift of the top six. And while their campaign may be over, victory would ensure a positive ending to a disappointing season.

The game breaker: Alessandro Del Piero 

Age is no limit, especially for Del Piero. The Italian maestro played a leading role in the club’s drubbing of the Wellington Phoenix last time out, scoring twice and setting up another. He may not have the pace that he once had, but he has the smarts to change a game in an instant. His 10 goals this season is proof of his undoubted class.