Date: Sunday September 5
Kick-off: 3:00pm AWST (5:00pm AEST)
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Head-to-head
Played 10: Wins: Perth Glory 3, Wellington Phoenix 5, Draws: 2
History
Two years ago, these two teams were playing off for what many regarded as the wooden spoon cup. How times have changed as both these sides made the A-League finals for the first time last season and coincidentally played each other in what proved a nail-biting penalty shoot-out win to Wellington at Westpac Stadium. Now they're both regarded as serious title contenders this year, although the Phoenix may have to still overcome some travelling jitters, having lost to the Glory the last three times they've played them in Perth.
Season so far
Perth Glory: DWWD
Wellington Phoenix: DWL
Match Committee
The Glory have named one of their most experienced line-ups of the season, with coach Dave Mitchell recalling Andy Todd (knee), Mile Sterjovski (ankle) and Jamie Harnwell (calf) from injury, while promoting exciting youngster Andrija Jukic. Mitchell still has to drop three players from his squad, however, and it will be interesting to see if all three of the players brought back from injury play, especially as Sterjovski appeared to be labouring a little at training during the week. Striker Michael Baird is the only Glory player to come out after his suspension for simulation against the Heart last week.
Just one change for the Phoenix this week as Manny Muscat has been called into the Maltese national squad for an international match this weekend. His place is taken by Wellington's new signing from Melbourne, Nick Ward, although whether Ward has had enough time to fit into the side remains to be seen. Muscat's absence, though, is a big blow to the Wellington defence that is already missing the unavailable Jade North.
Danger men
Steven McGarry - The Scottish midfielder has slotted into the Glory side perfectly after his move in the January transfer window. An industrious presence in the heart of midfield, McGarry is adept at picking out quality passes while giving skipper Jacob Burns plenty of help by taking on extra defensive responsibility.
Tim Brown - The Phoenix vice-captain enjoyed a career best season in 2009-10 in front of goal as he popped up with eight notches in his belt from a midfield position. He may have endured a difficult off-season with a shoulder injury that restricted his World Cup appearances for New Zealand, but the Glory will have to ensure Brown doesn't slip the leash for he scored more times last season than a recognised Wellington goal scorer like Chris Greenacre.
Where the game will be won
Defence is going to prove crucial in this encounter as both sides have some serious goalscoring quality up front. There are questions lingering over both back fours, however, as an undermanned Glory defence missing Harnwell and Todd last week was torn open repeatedly by the Melbourne Heart in the first half last week. Perth's defensive line did tighten as Josh Mitchell and Jamie Coyne established a partnership, but the surety of Todd's reading of the play and quality distribution has still been missing from this Perth side. Regardless of who lines up in defence, they'll have to be on their guard to combat players like Paul Ifill and Greenacre.
It's a similar problem for Wellington as the Phoenix look to bounce back from