Robbie Slater previews the A-League grand final showdown between Perth Glory and Sydney FC

Both Perth Glory and Sydney FC are full of X-factors but history suggests it’s not always the big-name players that decide grand finals. Sometimes it needs a more pragmatic approach.

Brandon O'Neill is sure to play a pivotal role against Perth Glory.

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Milos Ninkovic and Diego Castro may be the X-factors but the A-League grand final between Perth Glory and Sydney FC to be decided by more pragmatic means, according to Robbie Slater.

Who will win?

Sydney FC

Brandon O'Neill is sure to play a pivotal role against Perth Glory.

Why will they win?

The Sky Blues will enter this game in a superior headspace having crushed their biggest rivals, Melbourne Victory, 6-1 in last week’s semi-final.

This is a confident group of players who have been there and done it before.

Perth, too, were fantastic against Adelaide and a result either way wouldn’t surprise me.

But there were also signs of nerves, especially in their inability to close out the game when up 2-0 and then 3-2.

This week they’ll be in front of a crowd more than double in size at Optus Stadium and the expectation will be more apparent. The Glory, quite simply, will be expected to win.

Will the silky skills of Diego Castro dominate the grand final?

Who are the dangermen?

Diego Castro and Milos Ninkovic the two X-factors. The key for both sides is to cut off service to them and nullify them.

That’s easier said than done.

And for Castro this is a personal crusade, because if he wants to be considered one of best ever imports he has to win a title.

The two predators up front, Sydney’s Adam Le Fondre and Perth’s Andy Keogh, are massively consistent with 18 and 15 goals this season respectively. Le Fondre scored in all three regular-season games between the sides.

But history suggests it’s not always those big players who win the Joe Marston Medal.

Andrew Redmayne has had a great season for Sydney FC.

What are the key contests?

They’re at opposite ends of the field but both goalkeepers are in top form.

Andrew Redmayne is having a standout campaign for Sydney and Liam Reddy carried Perth on his shoulders last week by saving four penalties and scoring one himself. They might not be needed, but when they’re called upon it could be championship-defining.

Another factor for me is the two best fullbacks in the country, Sydney right-back Rhyan Grant and Perth left wing-back Jason Davidson. Their raids down the flanks - and success in stopping other - will heavily shape proceedings.

But this game will ultimately be won in the midfield. Which pair out of Perth’s Juande and Neil Kilkenny and Sydney counterparts Josh Brillante and Brandon O’Neill emerge on top will go a long way to deciding how it ends.

How will it be played?

Grand finals usually start cautiously but at any moment a goal can make this affair erupt. With more than 50,000 in the house at Optus Stadium that will electrify the atmosphere and intensify the on-field battle.

EXPERTS TIPS

DAVID DAVUTOVIC

This one promises to be tight and has drama written all over it. Little splits these two, including one win apiece in Western Australia this season. An intriguing tactical duel is set to unfold between ex-Socceroos and Sanfrecce Hiroshima teammates Tony Popovic and Steve Corica.

GLORY 2-1 (after extra-time)

EMMA KEMP

Sydney FC to win 2-1

This is a genuine cliff-hanger, an almost indivisible showdown. Perth have the cutting edge and the popular vote, not to mention confidence in droves after last week’s epic semi-final, but Sydney have been discounted far too often this season, and last weekend’s 6-1 thrashing suggests there are more goals to come.

TOM SMITHIES

Perth Glory to win by one goal.

The best two teams contest the grand final which is as it should be, and Perth have been the very best team all season. Sydney gave one of their great performances in blowing Melbourne Victory away, and I wonder if they can summon up another against a side driven so hard by the iron will of Tony Popovic.