Our A-League Men’s side are back in action on Wednesday night as they travel to face Brisbane City of the NPL Queensland competition in the Australia Cup Round of 32.
It will be the first game under new head coach Alen Stajcic since his appointment to the role in late June and he will be hoping to get off to a winning start at Imperial Corp Stadium 1 in the hunt for silverware.
It will be a great chance for young talent of the Wanderers to reassert themselves on the pitch after being so impressive last season in both the A-League as well as the NPL NSW Men’s competition.
Whilst Marcus Younis is away on international duty, the likes of Zac Sapsford, Aydan Hammond and Oscar Priestman will hope to get starts in the Cup, with Dylan Scicluna and new scholarship player Nathan Barrie also hoping to get a look in on Wednesday night.
There has been an emphasis on bringing young talent into the side in recent times, and this combined with the departures of club captain Marcelo in the off-season as well as the retirement of Milos Ninkovic suggests something of a new era is being ushered in at Wanderland.
Make no mistake though, there is still plenty of experience in the side to help lead the young stars on their way.
Brandon Borrello is looking to bounce back after injury ravaged his 2023/24 season, whilst Lawrence Thomas will once again be a reliable figure between the sticks for the Red & Black.
Marcus Antonsson, Josh Brillante and Jack Clisby are also experienced campaigners whose leadership will have a significant impact on and off the pitch.
Their opponents for this cup tie are currently sitting in eighth place in the NPL Queensland, winning six games and losing 12; their goal difference currently sits at -13, but they are clear of the relegation battle.
Brisbane City had to get through four qualifying rounds to reach the Australia Cup proper, beating third tier side Eastern Suburbs in the final round of qualifying.
It is their second ever appearance in the competition, having reached the Round of 16 in 2022.
The Wanderers had a solid campaign last season, smashing Floreat Athena in the Round of 32 and putting on a clinic at home against Adelaide United as they won 5-1 at home.
Their cup run came to a halt in the next round, as Brisbane Roar defeated them 4-2 at Perry Park, meaning the Wanderers’ wait for an Australia Cup trophy continued.
Match Details
Brisbane City FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Wednesday 31 July 2024, 7:30pm
Imperial Corp Stadium
Stream the match live and FREE on 10 Play
