It’s set to be an intriguing clash as City take on Perth in Round 8 of A-League action on Friday night. With goals on the menu for this fixture, it’ll be up to the men that stop them to make the difference as we compare Bart Schenkeveld and Shane Lowry’s seasons so far.
Both central defenders are the lynchpins to their backline with the Dutchman playing every minute of every match this season while Lowry has started in all of the matches he’s been fit for.
Despite Schenkeveld making most of the headlines in the A-League for his performances, the two defenders’ numbers are similar, with Lowry’s numbers more so reflecting his side’s pressure in the back third.
Lowry has an incredible 40 clearances and 13 blocks this season, halving Schenkeveld’s 19 clearances and 6 blocks. These numbers may reflect Perth’s no-fuss defensive style but reaffirms that the Glory have been under the pump this season.
With the ball, it’s no surprise the Dutchman’s numbers outweigh his counterpart’s, recording a strong 88.2% passing accuracy and 75% accuracy in the opposition half.
There is no doubt both players will have a role to play come Friday night in a match where the sides will need to improve their defensive performances from the last match.
There have been 24 goals in the past five matches between the sides, averaging just under five goals a game and these two defenders will be making sure this trend does not continue.
In what will be a big match for the hosts, showing Perth why City have conceded the least goals in the league will be a priority.
City take on Perth on Friday night at AAMI Park, kick-off 7.50pm
