Head coach Gary van Egmond has named his extended squad for Saturday afternoon’s clash against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Western Sydney Wanderers travel north to face the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night, determined to build on last weekend’s emphatic return to form.
A ruthless 4-0 victory over Macarthur FC snapped a three-match winless run in style, with the Red & Black delivering a clinical first-half blitz that swept aside their local rivals.
Steven Ugarkovic opened the scoring before Bozhidar Kraev, Ryan Fraser and Brandon Borrello added to the tally, capping off one of the side’s most complete attacking displays of the campaign.
Dylan Scicluna was at the heart of the performance, orchestrating proceedings and providing the creativity that unlocked Macarthur’s defence. The Wanderers will be eager to carry that attacking fluency into Newcastle as they look to string consecutive wins together at a crucial stage of the season.
The Jets, meanwhile, enter the contest following a goalless draw in the F3 Derby against the Central Coast Mariners. Despite creating opportunities, Newcastle were unable to find a breakthrough in a tight encounter.
Lachlan Rose came closest when he rattled the crossbar, while Kota Mizunuma threatened late, but the Jets ultimately had to settle for a point.
Saturday night shapes as an intriguing battle of momentum versus motivation – a Wanderers side buoyed by confidence against a Jets outfit determined to rediscover their cutting edge.
With Finals implications tightening and every point carrying added weight, the Red & Black know another strong performance could prove pivotal in shaping their run home.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 3.Alex GERSBACH, 5.Dylan SCICLUNA, 7.Ryan FRASER, 8.Steven UGARKOVIC, 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES, 11.Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 14.Phillip CANCAR, 17.Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 18. Jacob FARRELL, 19.Ruon YONGYIK, 20.Lawrence THOMAS (GK), 21.Aydan HAMMOND, 22.Anthony PANTAZOPOULOS, 23.Bozhidar KRAEV, 25.Josh BRILLANTE, 26.Brandon BORRELLO, 30.Jordan HOLMES (GK), 32.Angus THURGATE, 45.Alou KUOL, 52.Atiya WARAGA
Ins:Â 45.Alou KUOL (promoted)
Outs:Â N/A
Unavailable:Â N/A
