The Wanderers host Adelaide United in Saturday night primetime action in what is set to be a special night at Wanderland.
You can get your tickets to the match here.
This round three clash will be an official celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Wanderers’ amazing Asian Champions League triumph against Al Hilal, with a host of festivities and special events lined up.
These include pre match and half-time events, as well as appearances from some favourite former players returning to Wanderland.
Whilst it’s a night of acknowledging the past, the players and staff will be eager to get a first win of the league season after being held to a draw in their last match against Western United.
It was an end-to-end match at Ironbark Fields, with stand-in captain Brandon Borrello getting his first of the season with a slick finish, but a Hiroshi Ibusuki goal just after the break meant the sides had to share the points.
Like the Derby in week one, the Wanderers created plenty of chances in front of goal, but they are still taking some time to fully gel as some players get up to full speed after joining late or being hampered by injuries in pre-season.
A big plus for coach Alen Stajcic was the sight of Juan Mata and Bozhidar Kraev playing for more than an hour in their starting debuts in Red and Black.
They brought more control and quality to the midfield, and they will be sure to elevate the attack to another level as they get to full fitness and form connections with their teammates going forward.
It was also pleasing to see Oscar Priestman and Aidan Simmons continue their return from injuries, whilst Tristan Vidackovic had another great game in goals with a brilliant double save in the second half; his form has ensured the absence of captain Lawrence Thomas is not hitting the team too hard.
Despite these positives, the team knows they will count for little if they don’t begin to climb the table, and they will look to begin the charge against an Adelaide side who the Wanderers have a good recent record against.
They did the double over the Reds last season, winning the first game at CommBank Stadium 1-0, before holding off a late fightback to win 2-1 at Coopers Stadium.
The Wanderers and Adelaide are both reeling from tough 2023/24 seasons where both failed to make the finals despite much pre-season optimism.
Carl Veart’s side never truly replaced Craig Goodwin and Joe Gauci, meaning despite the best efforts of wonderkid Nestory Irankunda, they finished a place below and five points behind the Wanderers, winning just nine games all season.
Irankunda is now gone, having joined German giants Bayern Munich, with Musa Toure and top scorer Hiroshi Ibusuki also following him out the door.
Like the Wanderers, Adelaide have opted for a youth first approach, supplementing academy players with signings such as former Wanderer Dylan Pierias, Archie Goodwin and Ben Folami.
They have already played the Wanderers once in the Australia Cup this season, winning in extra time at home, but have only played once in the league so far due to having a bye on the opening weekend of the season.
Their first match saw them host the champions Central Coast, where like the Wanderers they were pegged back and forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
The head-to-head record is uniquely impossible to split, with the sides winning 12 games each, as well as drawing 12; that is set to change on Saturday, with the Wanderers hoping to get win number 13 on a night to remember.
Match Details
Wanderers v Adelaide United
Saturday 2 November 2024, 7:35pm
CommBank Stadium
You can get your tickets to the match here.
