Sports

The Scout: A-League Grand Final

Perth Glory vs Sydney FC
19th May, 4.30pm WST

The matchup we’ve been waiting for! Regular season premiers, the best side all year, Perth, up against second placed Sydney FC. It’s the first time Perth have hosted a final in 16 years, and what better way to celebrate in front of a packed house at Optus Stadium.

The Glory were cruising in their semi-final clash with Adelaide. 2-0 up after 74 minutes, they blew that lead and another lead in extra time in what led to a dramatic penalty shootout win, and possibly the most entertaining A-League game of all time.

It was a different story for Sydney who destroyed Melbourne Victory to the tune of 6-1. Sydney FC will come to Perth full of confidence on the back of last week’s drubbing, plus a 1-0 win over Perth in Sydney last month and a 2-1 win in Perth last December.

The case for Sydney is strong. They won two of the three encounters this season, all the more impressive given Perth lost just three times all season! If they repeat the attacking efforts of last week we’re in for a show, and not even Perth’s league-best defense will be able to stop them. Adam Le Fondre is the key man for Sydney. He scored twice last weekend, 18 times this season (2nd in A-League) and scored in all three matches against Perth.

Perth Glory have been the best team all season and if given space they can dominate this match. They’ve scored more goals than any other team (13 more than Sydney) led by Irish striker Andy Keogh with 15 from 27 games. They have the creativity and attacking prowess of Diego Castro, Keogh and Chris Ikonomidis who will be at the centre of everything up front.

The occasion and the huge Optus Stadium crowd are going to take some adjusting to for players on both sides. The Glory have won 10 of their last 14 matches in Perth and though this isn’t their normal home ground, the travel and crowd will be still be a massive advantage – particularly late if the match is still up for grabs.

Overall there’s just too much to like about this Glory outfit.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Perth Glory @ $2.35*

Suggested Bet: Andy Keogh Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.35*

*Odds correct as 1pm WST 17th May 2019.

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