The A-League is back for a frantic month of football action to crown a champion for the 2019-20 season. Perth Glory are looking to cement their finals spot with a win over hapless Melbourne Victory.
A-League Tips – Perth Glory V Melbourne Victory
History: Played 45: Victory 19 V Perth 17 (9 Draws)
Last meeting: February 1, 2020: 2-2 draw at nib Stadium
Final Thoughts: Fifth-placed Perth Glory have two games left to climb a rung or two on the A-League ladder. Meanwhile, a pair of losses leaves them vulnerable to being bumped out of the top six by Western United.
Last season’s Premiers Plate winners have been a mixed bag since the competition’s resumption. Kicking off with a 1-0 win over the lowly Mariners, the Glory lost back-to-back games to the Phoenix (2-1) and Adelaide (5-3) before regrouping with a 3-1 defeat of desperate Wanderers.
Melbourne Victory’s misery has continued after making a belated return to the pitch. Languishing in second-last, the fallen heavyweights have recorded losses to Western United (2-1), Brisbane (2-1) and wooden spooners Central Coast (3-2). They’ve now won just one of their last 11 games.
Marco Rojas’ performance against the Mariners was something to cling to, scoring a goal in each half.
The Victory have won six and drawn one of their last 10 against the Glory. Robbie Kruse’s first-half goal was enough to secure a 1-0 home win in Week 8 for the Victory, while the teams drew 2-all in Perth in Week 17. Ola Toivonen and Andrew Nabbout scored either side of Bruno Fornaroli’s goal to give the Victory a 2-1 lead, but Nicholas D’Agostino netted a 90th-minute equaliser for the Glory.
Perth have been far from convincing following the A-League’s four-month layoff. But the Victory, devoid of confidence and desire, should give up a much-needed three points to the Glory without much of a fight.
Tip: Result and Both Teams To Score – Perth and Yes @ $2.88
