TFT Issue 3361!

Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners 

KO: 10:20 (UK time)

The Mariners have had a couple of weeks off ahead of their trip to Perth, and I have to consider that a negative. They were excellent in all four games prior to it, even the one they were cheated of victory in, going down 3-2 in Adelaide to a referee that awarded three penalties for 0.5 fouls. They’d normally be likely to give Glory a good game here, especially after Glory played a weekend, but after a fortnight off I can’t help wondering if the Mariners’ fire will have dampened somewhat. Suffice to say that I, like the bookies, favour the home win here. I mean, the Mariners’ run can’t go on forever – can it?

I remember when their runs did used to go on forever, mind you. They used to be a really good team. Quite where it all went wrong for them, I don’t know, but for the past few years they’ve been the butt of most A-League jokes. It’s nice to see them fighting back, you know? I’ve never found myself disagreeing with too many of their signings either, nor their managerial appointments, so quite what the problem has been, I really couldn’t say. What I can say, however, is that Stajcic (current manager) has got them playing to their absolute maximum. Their kids look mature, their regulars are giving their all, and they’re taking their chances. What more can really be asked of this team?

No, I don’t envision for a single second that Tongyik will be able to stay fit/lkeep defending well, that Simon will continue to evade that looming red card, or that Kuol will keep scoring with every opportunity, nor even that da Silva will keep playing consistently well. However, for the present time, that’s precisely what’s happening, and teams are struggling to cope with the Mariners because of it. I couldn’t honestly say that this is a particularly good attacking team but they sure as hell don’t show it on the pitch, constantly looking to probe opposing defences for weaknesses.

Effectively, what Stajcic has somehow concocted with this group is a team that presses like Brisbane Roar whilst being as clinical as Sydney FC. It’s a really healthy combination. Any decent team that hems them in will ultimately find a way to score because their defence is their biggest weak spot. However, actually bossing the Mariners midfield is really tough, especially with Bozanic in such inspired form. Furthermore, they’re so quick on the break that stopping them altogether is ridiculously hard, and most teams are simply resigned to trying to outscore them, accepting that they’re going to concede. It’s a really impressive setup they’ve got, considering that there is only one real star player in it, and it’s a team that should be taken seriously for the foreseeable.

However, in the cold light of day, they can’t hold a candle to Glory. Whether it shows today or not, I don’t know, but what I do know is that Garcia’s 4-4-2 is truly unleashing the devastating potential of Glory’s attack. Surprisingly, D’Agostino has been getting some game time alongside Fornaroli instead of Keogh but between the three of them, they’ve got goals whichever way you paint it, especially with Castro loading the bullets. Kilkenny’s set pieces have been superb, as always, and Armiento has contributed an awful lot alongside him too. They’re going to be unstoppable when Ikonomidis returns a few weeks from now, honestly. They’ve been devastating in attack this season, Glory!

Understandably, their attacking prowess has come at a cost, which is their defence. They’re always going to be suspect for conceding goals whilst they’re attacking as much as they are, and that’s especially true with so many new faces at the back. I mean, Langkamp hasn’t played yet, and OIta barely has, which has led to teenagers like Warland, Rawlins, and Tatafu playing at times. Lachman has settled in quite well, and Aspropotamitis has done alright, but there’s still a lack of cohesion there, probably not helped by the fact that Velaphi now appears to have replaced Reddy in goal. I know Reddy is cracking on a bit but he’s still the better goalkeeper so that’s a weird one.

Under Garcia, Glory are entertaining; the polar opposite of what they were under Popovic last season. I prefer to watch Garcia’s Glory, but I also think that Popovic’s Glory were better placed to actually compete for major honours. Time will tell whether my opinion on that front is correct or not; I just don’t think Glory look as smart right now as normal. Having said that though, they do look capable of breaking down any defence in the country. I mean, bagging three against Roar is a very rare thing indeed because of how hard it is to get past their midfield – but Glory managed it. They put three past Melbourne City, and four past Western United too. This is a really dangerous outfit, and one that could – and should – beat the Mariners today.

I think you can make persuasive arguments to back either team to win here though, so I won’t be touching the 1×2 market, although as intimated above, I do favour the hosts. Backing over 3 goals at 23/20 makes complete sense to me though, as we should be in for a very intense and open game between two dangerous attacking teams.

Verdict: Over 3 goals at 23/20.