The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 Men’s side return to Wanderers Football Park on Sunday when they face Blacktown City on Sunday.
The Wanderers will look to bounce back from back-to-back defeats when they take on Blacktown City at Wanderers Football Park this Sunday.
The Red & Black will be coming off a frustrating 1-0 loss to St George City FA, where an Aidan Simmons own-goal proved to be the difference.
Meanwhile, Blacktown City are coming off four consecutive wins and are unbeaten in five games.
City are coming off a run of three consecutive 3-2 wins which has seen them climb to third on the table, equal on points with second place Rockdale Ilinden.
The Key Decider: Aidan Simmons v Mitchell Malia
Blacktown’s Mitchell Malia is in outstanding form, contributing a goal or assist in eight of his 12 appearances this season. He leads the team in both categories with eight goals and five assists and will be a key threat against the young Wanderers side.
The Wanderers, meanwhile, will once again turn to Aidan Simmons. Despite scoring an own goal last week, Simmons has been heavily involved in the team’s recent positive play. His return to the scintillating form he’s known for has been a welcome sight, with the young fullback appearing to have regained his confidence.
They are both vital to either team’s success and as we have seen this season, both are capable of making things happen.
If Aidan Simmons can draw on his A-League experience to guide this young side, the Wanderers are more than capable of securing all three points, thanks to the array of talent at their disposal.
On the other hand, if the Wanderers can contain Malia, it will force Blacktown to turn to a plan B, with much of their attacking play having flowed through him this season. That said, it won’t be an easy task—Blacktown have consistently shown their resilience and ability to stay in the contest for the full 90 minutes.
Simply put, this match will be a test of endurance – about which side can stay in the fight the longest. Expect an enticing contest where resilience will be key, and the result may come down to who can outlast their opponent, even in the face of setbacks.
NPL NSW Round 13
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Blacktown City
Sunday 4 May, 3:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
