The Western Sydney Wanderers FNSW League One side are back on the road this week, heading to Hensley Athletic Field to face off against Hakoah Sydney City East in what is a crucial Saturday night fixture.
The boys in Red & Black have become unstuck in their past few games after a hot start to the season, with no wins in their last three games.
They were close to a gutsy victory last round against Bonnyrigg; they were just minutes away from a gutsy win with only 10 men for 30 minutes in the second half, however a 92nd minute equaliser for the White Eagles forced a share of the points.
The Wanderers dip in form has coincided with key players absent through injury or through playing with the senior team, though the likes of Alex Badolato and Dean Pelekanos have impressed with their recent performances.
Their hosts, Hakoah, are also enduring a difficult run of form; they are winless in four and suffered the ignominy of defeat to last-placed Hills Brumbies last week.
That loss leaves them in 8th place, two points behind the Wanderers, who themselves are a point outside the crucial top four places.
The key man for Hakoah is undoubtedly the number 10 Luiz de Oliviera Lobo, who has scored half of the teams eight goals this season. If the Wanderers can stop him, they will go a long way to getting the three points.
The Wanderers will be without the suspended Alex Bonetig, whilst they face the prospect of more players being with the senior team.
But with the likes of Mark Natta and Daniel Wilmering in the side, they will still have plenty of experience to guide them around the park.
These sides faced off once last season, with the Wanderers coming up with a 3-2 victory at Wanderers Football Park.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 30th April 2022 7:00pm
Hensley Athletic Field
Stream the match live on NPL.TV
