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. The 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.
The 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 the Roar did. Whether the 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, the 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)