Perth Glory striker Adrian Trinidad could be restored to the starting line-up against Sydney after overcoming an ankle problem and impressing during a solid week of training.
Perth has spent the week in Sydney to prepare for the Round 16 Hyundai A-League match on Sunday afternoon and Trinidad has pressed his case for a return to action after not being risked in last weekend-s draw with Wellington.
“Trini has adapted to the style of play in Australia as the season has worn on and you can see he is much more comfortable now,” Glory coach Dave Mitchell said.
“He can influence a game and it was unfortunate timing to get the knock but he has come back hard and is in the mix for sure.”
Nick Rizzo is also a chance to start with the winger having produced a series of strong performances against the Sky Blues.
He has made substitute appearances in the last three matches after coming back from a groin strain and is ready to step up in the crucial game.
The former Liverpool and Crystal Palace player grew up in Sydney and is looking forward to playing in front of his friends and family.
“I love living in Perth but it’s also nice to come to Sydney and catch-up with my family. Spending the week here has been fantastic, we’ve trained hard and enjoyed what the city has to offer,” Rizzo said.
“If the opportunity arises to play a more significant role on Sunday I’ll definitely grab it with both hands.”
Currently six points outside of the top four, Perth will need to win this match if it is to have any chance of making the finals and Mitchell believes his side is adequately prepared to take the three points.
“It was a solid performance last week and I don’t want to tinker with too much but there are a few different scenarios that we could face this week and we have some options to counter that,” he said.
“Sydney is making its play for the top four and playing on home turf. I’m sure they’ll be looking to use this match to bounce back but there is a good feeling amongst our players, they’ve enjoyed each others company during our week over here and I think we-ll be a hard nut to crack.”
“The finals are still achievable but with every passing game it becomes tougher and so three points are very precious. It’s a tough equation and we’ll have to get a run of results together and that starts this weekend.”
Following this weekend’s clash, the Glory have a home fixture against Adelaide on Boxing Day and then a New Years Eve clash on the Central Coast.
