The Darwin Football Stadium is primed to host a pivotal Australia Cup playoff between Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory on Tuesday, July 23. With a coveted spot in the Round of 32 up for grabs, both teams are eager to kickstart their 2024/25 campaigns on a high note.
Lineups and Team News
Brisbane Roar’s squad has undergone a significant transformation under manager Ruben Zadkovich. Seven new faces have joined the fold, including Ben Warland, Marcus Ferkranus, Harry Van Der Saag, Hosine Bility, Walid Shour, Ben Halloran, and former Glory striker Adam Zimarino. Zadkovich’s emphasis on bringing in “good people” with a “point of difference” hints at a potentially diverse and dynamic lineup.
Perth Glory, helmed by new coach David Zdrilic, has seen an even more dramatic overhaul. With twelve departures and eleven arrivals, including ex-Roar duo Taras Gomulka and Nikola Mileusnic, Glory’s lineup remains a tantalizing mystery.
Injury Concerns
Specific injury details are scarce, but both managers have acknowledged squad limitations. Zdrilic mentioned “many key players” being unavailable for Perth, while Brisbane’s depth will face an early test.
Where to Watch
Football fans can catch the action live and free on 10 Play, with kick-off set for 7:30 PM AEST (5:30 PM local Darwin time).
Recent Form and Goals
This match marks the season’s competitive debut for both sides. In their most recent A-League outings, Brisbane fell 3-4 to Adelaide United, while Perth suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat against Sydney FC. However, Glory’s recent 4-2 friendly victory over Armadale SC suggests they’ve found their scoring boots in pre-season.
Head-to-Head and Stats
Recent encounters between these sides have been closely contested. Their last meeting in February saw Perth edge out Brisbane 3-2 in a goal-fest. Over their last five competitive matches, each team has claimed two victories, with one draw.
Standings
The final 2023/24 A-League Men standings provide context:
- Western Sydney (MP: 27, GD: -4, P: 37)
- Adelaide United (MP: 27, GD: -1, P: 32)
- Brisbane Roar (MP: 27, GD: -13, P: 30)
- Newcastle Jets (MP: 27, GD: -8, P: 28)
- Western United (MP: 27, GD: -19, P: 26)
- Perth Glory (MP: 27, GD: -23, P: 22)
Brisbane’s 9th-place finish and Perth’s wooden spoon highlight the importance of a strong start in this new campaign.
Historical Cup Performance
Brisbane’s run to the 2023 Australia Cup Final, where they fell to Sydney FC, will fuel their ambitions. Their journey included impressive victories over Newcastle Jets, Sydney United, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Melbourne Knights.
Perth Glory aims to end a five-year absence from the Round of 32, drawing inspiration from their appearances in the first two FFA Cup finals in 2014 and 2015.
Prediction
Given the extensive squad changes and limited pre-season data, this match is tough to call. Brisbane’s recent cup pedigree gives them a slight edge, but Perth’s desire for redemption after a challenging season cannot be underestimated.
The neutral Darwin venue negates home advantage, potentially leading to an open, attacking affair. Both managers will be keen to see their tactical visions come to life, which could result in an entertaining, goal-rich encounter.
A score draw or a narrow victory for either side seems plausible, with the outcome potentially hinging on how quickly new signings adapt to competitive action.
Latest News
The build-up has centered around both clubs’ significant squad overhauls. Brisbane’s acquisition of Ben Halloran, a Queensland native with Bundesliga experience, has generated particular excitement. Perth’s appointment of Zdrilic and subsequent roster shake-up signals a new era for the Glory.
As the teams prepare to clash in Darwin, anticipation builds for what promises to be a fascinating Australia Cup playoff. With both sides eager to prove themselves and secure progression, fans can expect a fiercely contested match that could set the tone for the season ahead.
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