“He’s like a cat with a ball of wool”: Glory eyes Arnold’s Blues
After a gritty 1-0 win over the Phoenix in Wellington, Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe is clearly relishing his team’s upcoming away clash against Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Adelaide United this weekend, failing to record a win for the third game on end.
In contrast, with their win over Wellington yesterday, Perth have now gone undefeated for four games, amassing 12 goals and conceding five.
They sit seventh on the ladder, five points astray of the play-offs and six points behind Graham Arnold’s fifth-placed Sydney FC.
Last time the two teams met, back in late November, they fought out a scoreless draw in the searing heat at nib Stadium.
The temperatures will probably be less extreme in Sydney next Saturday, but Lowe is still expecting Sydney to present a huge challenge.
“Sydney? Same old Arnie – you know what he’s like, he’s like a cat with a ball of wool,” Lowe said.
“It’ll be a tough game. They need to win this one.”
Key to Glory’s chances of a win in Sydney is the performance of their leading goalscorer, marquee midfielder Diego Castro.
The Spanish 33-year-old has found the net nine times this season, scoring twice in Perth’s 3-2 upset of defending champions Melbourne Victory just over a week ago.
Lowe rested him for all but the last 15 minutes against Wellington, playing safe in managing what he described as “a few knocks and niggles” which included some groin tightness.
“We took a gamble not to play him but it worked out for us so he’ll be fresh for Sydney.”
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With nine games left until the end of the season, there’s still enough time for Perth to make the play-offs. But Lowe is keeping his dreams manageable.
“The dream is for us to go to Sydney and put a performance in – that’s the next dream.
“Then there’ll be a dream after that. If we can put performances in, we’re going to have half a chance.”
-NZN
