Head-to-head

Played 10: Wins: Perth Glory 3, Wellington Phoenix 5, Draws: 2

History
Two years ago, these two teams were playing for the wooden spoon. 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 to be a nail-biting penalty shoot-out win for Wellington at Westpac Stadium. Now they're both regarded as serious title contenders this year, although Phoenix may have to still overcome some travelling jitters, having lost to Glory the last three times they've played them in Perth.

Season so far
Perth Glory: DWWD
Wellington Phoenix: DWL

Match Committee
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 Heart last week.

Just one change for 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 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 upfront. 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 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 Phoenix look to bounce back from last week's loss to Brisbane. The defence has been seriously weakened by Muscat's absence, leaving skipper Andrew Durante to do a mountain of work against Robbie Fowler, Branko Jelic and Mile Sterjovski if fit. Phoenix might also have to make do without goalkeeper Mark Paston, who reportedly still has groin soreness, although Danny Vukovic is a more than capable replacement.

Phoenix are desperate to gain some points on the road, especially after threatening the Roar goal on numerous occasions. Last week's performance by Brisbane, however, demonstrated that holes could be found in Wellington's structure if a team was prepared to work hard enough to create them as Roar did. Whether Glory can replicate that approach with their more patient build-ups remains to be seen, but if there any holes in defence present themselves then Fowler, fresh from scoring his first Glory goal last week, is the man to exploit them. On their home patch, Glory should get the job done but don't discount Wellington, for Ifill needs just a few moments to turn a game.

Teams:

Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Andy TODD, 5. Jamie HARNWELL, 7. Jacob BURNS (C), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI, 21. Mile STERJOVSKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. Andrija JUKIC, 24. Josh RISDON

*three to be omitted*

In: Andy TODD (returns from injury), Jamie HARNWELL (returns from injury), Mile STERJOVSKI (returns from injury), 23. Andrija JUKIC (promoted)
Out: Michael BAIRD (suspended – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: Victor SIKORA (hip- 4 weeks), Chris COYNE (On loan – 11 weeks)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Nick WARD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER

*one to be omitted*

In: Nick WARD (new signing)
Out: Manny MUSCAT (international duty – 1 week)
Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee – 2 weeks), Jade NORTH (overseas – 1 week), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs – 6 weeks), Manny MUSCAT (international duty – 1 week)