R3 Preview v Perth Glory
After two away games, and a FIFA International break, Canberra United will finally be back at McKellar Park, as top of the table Perth Glory make the trek from across the country for Round Three.
Canberra will be looking to turn their early season form around, after a draw and a loss has the side with just one point from the first two games. Perth on the other hand, come into this game in form with two wins from two, both at home to Western United and Newcastle Jets.
Perth have proven to be somewhat of a bogey side in recent years for Canberra. In the last five fixtures there has been three draws and a win apiece for both sides. That win for Canberra came back in the 2020/21 season, a 3-2 “away” win at Viking Park.
The win for Perth was the most recent meeting between the two, as they overturned a half-time deficit of two goals to get full points at Macedonia Park.
The overall record is much better for Canberra though, with 14 wins and 10 draws in 27 meetings between the two sides.
As the stats show so far this season, Canberra boast the superior attack with five goals in the opening two games, with Perth scoring three times. Perth are yet to concede, with both of their results coming in a clean sheet win.
Interestingly, in 27 matches between the two sides, Perth have never won in Canberra. Their three wins have all come in their own backyard.
Despite not having a win, Canberra have plenty of positives to find from their opening two games. The attacking duo of Michelle Heyman and Vesna Milivojevic, arguably one of the best in the country, have picked up where they left off last season. Chloe Lincoln once again showed her quality last round, making nine saves against a strong City attack. The Young Matildas shot-stopper has made 17 saves already in the first two rounds, the best in the league to date.
Expect a tough opponent for Canberra, in the shape of an unbeaten Perth Glory led by former Canberra Assistant Coach Alex Epakis.
MATCH DETAILS
Saturday 4 November 2023
Canberra United v Perth Glory
(McKellar Park. 16:00)
LIVE ON PARAMOUNT+ / 10PLAY