Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters is setting his sights firmly on climbing to second spot in the A-League Women's competition, prioritising this achievement over ending a lengthy winless run against Sydney FC. The Glory face Sydney on Wednesday night at Sam Kerr Football Centre, coming off a short four-day turnaround after a 2-0 loss to league leaders Melbourne City.
Focus on Ladder Position Amid Fatigue Concerns
Despite the quick turnaround and recent defeat, Peters has motivated his squad by highlighting the rare opportunity to jump into second place with a victory. He emphasised that while goal difference and games in hand might affect their standing beyond this weekend, securing three points is crucial. "It's very rare you get an opportunity to have two bites of the cherry going into second spot," Peters said, underscoring the significance of this moment for the team.
Historical Context and Team Changes
Perth Glory's last home win against Sydney FC dates back to December 2018, when Sam Kerr scored twice against a Sky Blues side featuring Matildas legends Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, and Lisa De Vanna. Since then, the Glory have struggled, with their last victory over Sydney occurring in 2020. However, Peters downplayed this historical hoodoo, focusing instead on the present opportunity.
The coach confirmed several changes to the starting lineup, with three or four adjustments expected. Young forward Tanika Lala is pushing for selection, while experienced utility player Nat Tathem is nearing a return from an ACL injury sustained late last season. These changes aim to refresh the squad and capitalise on the chance to move up the ladder.
Strategic Outlook for Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Peters outlined a strategic approach to the next month before the Asian Cup break. He categorised matches into blocks, with the upcoming games against Melbourne City and Sydney FC forming one critical segment, followed by fixtures against Wellington, Canberra, and Newcastle. "This is why I believe this game's super important for us; we want to collect some points from this little spell," he explained, highlighting the tough schedule that includes facing recent champions and premiers.
Peters expressed confidence in his team's ability to rise to the challenge, blending their trademark resilience with quality football. "The opportunity for us is huge. I hope that we can showcase the football that we're capable of producing with the tough stuff we've been known for in recent times," he added, aiming to inspire a strong performance against Sydney FC.
