PERTH GLORY V MELBOURNE CITY – SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER

PERTH GLORY ($2.18) v MELBOURNE CITY ($3.15)

The Glory are on top of the A-League table and will look to recover from a scare against Wellington Phoenix when they host Melbourne City at NIB Stadium. City are coming off a statement win against the Newcastle Jets, thumping Ernie Merrick’s side 3-0 at home to remind punters that this season isn’t just a three horse race between the Victory, Glory and Sky Blues.

The Wolf is going to need some convincing that City deserve to be included in that conversation and they can start with a big performance in the West.

MATCH/TIME (AEST)	FOOTBALL BEST BETS
PERTH GLORY v MELBOURNE CITY NIB STADIUM SUN 8 DEC 1000PM	Perth Glory ($2.18) Both teams to score – Yes ($1.62) Goals over 2.5 ($1.77)

FORM

PERTH GLORY (WWWWD)

What the Glory need to do to win this game:

• Andy Keogh needs better delivery

Keogh has had a brilliant season so far but was left isolated against the Phoenix. It didn’t help that Chianese and Wilson were quiet. Diego Castro provides class and creativity to the Glory and his presence on the field opens up opportunities for Keogh to shine. As he returns from injury, Castro should see more time and that will help to get balance in the Glory attack.

MELBOURNE CITY (DLWLW)

What Melbourne City need to do to win this game:

• Exploit Lowry with speed

The 3-0 scoreline flattered Melbourne City with some pretty average football played at AAMI Stadium last Sunday. The Wolf is a firm believer that Bruno Fornaroli is the best option for City in attack, even if they seemed to score easily against the Jets. Ritchie De Laet could be the man to challenge the Glory in defence, he loves to open up the tank and burn down the field. If they can hit Shane Lowry with that speed gaps should open up and with that scoring chances for a side that can clearly score a goal. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Glory are a massive step up in class for Melbourne City…if they play to their potential. Against the Phoenix last week Tony Popovic’s side got lucky, the Glory were out-coached by Mark Rudan and when Ryan Lowry (not to be confused with defender Shane Lowry from the Glory) was sent off they couldn’t find a winner with Jason Davidson missing a great chance in the 88th minute.

The Wolf knows that the Glory are tough to beat at home and City should find a goal but not a win across the Nullabor.

HOW IT’S SHAPING UP

Perth Glory 2-1

BEST BETS: Perth Glory ($2.18), Both teams to score – Yes ($1.62), Goals over 2.5 ($1.77)