Perth Glory may be on the brink of claiming the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League Premiers Plate, but they will not get things all their own way when they host Newcastle Jets at HBF Park in what could be the decisive game on Sunday (kick-off 7pm AEST).
The only team who can prevent Tony Popovic’s side lifting their first silverware are Sydney FC, who travel to Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday for what is sure to be a fiercely contested local derby (kick-off 7.50pm AEST).
If Perth can better the Sky Blues’ result in that match, the trophy is theirs.
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Glory’s rivals on Sunday have failed to live up to the promise of their 2017/18 Grand Final appearance, but Jets midfielder Steven Ugarkovic insists his side can still have a say in the season’s outcome – and keep the title race alive going into the final two rounds.
Both previous matchups between the sides this season have ended in 2-0 victories for Glory, but Jets come into the game on the back of a spirited 3-2 defeat of Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend.
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“I see it as a good challenge: Can we spoil the party?” the 24-year-old defensive midfielder said.
“Can we go over there, make it tough for them, possibly get the three points?”
“I don’t feel the boys are the kind to shy away from that challenge — it’ll be a good test for everyone physically, but more mentally as well.”
