The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side travel to Seymour Shaw on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches as they face the Sutherland Sharks.
The Wanderers come into this fixture having collected eight of a possible twelve points from their last four matches. Most recently, they played out a 1-1 draw against Sydney Olympic, with a late equaliser cancelling out a 64th-minute opener.
Sutherland, on the other hand, are looking to avoid a tenth straight defeat following another disappointing loss — this time to Manly United. Taiga Kowono’s 85th-minute goal denied the Sharks their first points since March 29.
Since their draw with NWS Spirit on March 29, Sutherland have scored just one goal, further compounding their struggles. They currently sit as the league’s lowest-scoring team and will be eager to break their drought against a Wanderers outfit hoping to widen the gap from the bottom of the table.
The Wanderers’ improving form has brought renewed confidence, and more importantly, has allowed the young side to back themselves. In the opening rounds, the team often second-guessed its decisions, but since their 3-0 win over St George FC, a new level of intent and clinical finishing has emerged — with eight goals scored in the last four games.
The two sides last faced off in round three of the competition, where the Sharks walked away 1-0 victors in a game where the Wanderers were left rueing their missed chances following a positive performance.
The Key Decider: Julian Cop and Edmun Haddad
The Wanderers pair have been operating in wide midfield roles, playing a vital part in supporting the attack, aiding their full-backs defensively, and at times stepping inside to provide cover in central areas.
In what is traditionally a 4-2-2-2 system, their position carries significant responsibility. However, the talented duo have made the role their own in recent weeks — creating goal-scoring opportunities, getting on the scoresheet, and drawing multiple defenders, which in turn opens up space for their teammates.
Haddad has grown into the position since returning to full fitness, gaining confidence week by week. His resurgence has helped lift the team’s overall performance to another level.
Their increased involvement has benefited the side, and if the Wanderers are to make it three wins from five games, expect Cop and Haddad to be central to that effort.
This match promises to be an exciting contest, with both sides looking to build separation from the relegation zone. Given recent form, the Wanderers will consider themselves favourites, but the Sharks will be determined to avoid an unprecedented tenth consecutive loss — marking one of their toughest runs in recent memory.
NPL NSW Round 18
Sutherland Sharks v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 7th of June, 4:00pm
Seymour Shaw
