Melbourne City and the Wanderers should be decided by the first pass out of midfield and the next loose ball. City have wide runners and a dangerous second contact, while the Wanderers have been getting into the box even when the score stays level. Perth and Newcastle bring a different version of that contest: pressure on the Jets' first pass against their ability to circulate and find Wood. The quality of the next touch matters more than the recent scorelines in both games.
The Wanderers have already turned Scicluna's recoveries into chances for Borrello and Gillion, and they tested Macarthur's goalkeeper repeatedly. City can feed Nabbout through Marcondes and collect loose balls, but Rossetto has yet to play in the league this season, while Nieuwenhuizen has already deputised for Freke. I expect the Wanderers' central pressure and Thomas behind their retained spine to keep their attack involved across both halves. That's why I'm siding with the WS Wanderers.
Perth's press forced an Adelaide error that Kucharski finished, and a later corner supplied another decisive contact. Newcastle have created chances through Lolley, Clough and Wood, but their defence has recently allowed runners behind it and is returning from a continental trip. Lawrence's suspension removes a current Perth delivery role; Freney and Scicluna played the last match and give Perth observed outlets. I expect Perth to test the Jets' first pass early and find Kucharski or a second ball near goal. That's why I'm siding with Perth Glory.
