BROADMEADOW will look to James Virgili to spark their attack when they face the defensive strength of Maitland at Cooks Square Park on Sunday in their first leg NNSW NPL semi-final.
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The former Jets flyer, who is hoping to rejoin the A-League club in the coming weeks, has not played in the NPL since July 22 after injuring his hamstring in Magic’s FFA Cup win in Canberra.
Virgili, who has 14 goals in 15 games this season, was close to playing in the round of 16 Cup loss to Bentleigh on Tuesday night but coach Ruben Zadkovich saved him for the two-leg semis.
“I think he will be right,” Zadkovich said of Virgili playing. “We did a fitness test on FFA Cup night and he kind of passed it, but it just wasn’t worth the risk.”
Magic have not scored in their past three games, including the Cup, but have the most goals (44) in the NPL. Zadkovich was keen to get Virgili, Kale Bradbery and John Majurovski back up top.
“It’s nice having Chill back because he’s such an outlet,” he said. “He’s so quick and likes to get in behind. Kale likes it coming to feet and Maj is floating in the box, so you put them all together, it’s a better balance.”
Maitland have built their run to third spot on defence after conceding twice in their past seven games.
