Preview: Perth Glory vs. Melbourne City - prediction, team news, lineups

Melbourne City have been dominant throughout the campaign, and have lost just a single game so far.

Match preview

Perth Glory currently sit seventh in the A-League table, but their recent performances have showcased plenty of quality and signs that they are capable of moving much higher in the division.

The Glory are undefeated in their previous six matches, putting together a strong run of form that built up plenty of momentum as they head into this fixture.

Their most recent performance led to a 2-2 draw against Newcastle Jets which was a game that featured a frantic finish with two goals in the final 10 minutes of the match.

While Mark Beevers thought he had picked up all three points for Perth Glory with a 79th-minute goal to take the game to 2-1, Archie Goodwin scored an 88th-minute equaliser to leave the Glory disappointed.

Ruben Zadkovich's men remain undefeated at home though in the A-League, but that is something that is going to be heavily tested by a team that have only lost once all season.

While Melbourne City's only defeat of the campaign did take place away from home, they have been consistent throughout the campaign which should lead to them having plenty of belief this weekend.

The Hearts have created a seven-point gap at the top of the A-League while they also boast a game in hand on their nearest rivals, which is something they will look to increase on Saturday.

Despite their dominance, Rado Vidosic's men were dealing with a little bit of a rough patch as of late after drawing three consecutive matches, but that is run they brought to a screeching halt last Saturday.

Melbourne City did that in style by reminding the division why they are currently top as they blew Macarthur away with a 6-1 win.

Richard van der Venne had a game to remember as he scored a hat-trick, while Jamie Maclaren continued his own impressive campaign by scoring a brace before Andrew Nabbout wrapped things up late on.

Perth Glory Australian A-League form:

W

W

D

W

D

D

Melbourne City Australian A-League form:

W

W

D

D

D

W

Team News

Salim Khelifi remains a long-term absentee for Perth Glory, and that will remain the case again this weekend, but they were able to welcome Adam Taggart back into the squad last Saturday as he featured as a substitute.

The hosts will also have a choice to make defensively as they used three at the back in their recent 2-2 draw, but a decision could be made to shift to a four to provide more cover due to the attacking nature of their opponents.

After a dominant 6-1 victory there could be very little need for Melbourne City to make any changes this weekend, and offensively it is unlikely that any tinkering will be done.

However, both Jordon Hall and Arion Sulemani have been promoted into the matchday squad for Saturday, so they could be options that are considered.

Perth Glory possible starting lineup:

Cook; Lachman, Elsey, Koutroumbis, Khelifi; Forde, Duncan, Amini, Jelacic; Dowse, Ivanovic

Melbourne City possible starting lineup:

Glover; Galloway, Lam, Good, Jamieson; O'Neill; Tilio, Van der Venne, Berisha, Leckie; Maclaren

We say: Perth Glory 1-3 Melbourne City

Perth Glory are in strong form at the moment, and that is the perfect way for them to be heading into a fixture against the league leaders.

However, coming off a dominant 6-1 win Melbourne City will be the favourites on Saturday.

Previews by email