Our FNSW League One side returns home for the first time in four matches as they host the Northern Tigers in an elimination match.
There are no second chances for the boys in Red & Black, as they sit just two wins away from a potential grand final appearance.
The side suffered their first defeat since the start of July last week, as a heavily changed side fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat away to St George City.
Missing eight players who were on the first team pre-season camp in the Gold Coast – as well as captain Dean Pelekanos through injury – a youthful side fought valiantly against quality opposition.
With the first team side returned from the camp, there is a chance that the team will be considerably stronger come Saturday afternoon.
That said, there is still plenty of quality in the side to trouble the opposition, with Connor Rose and George Antonis playing key roles throughout the regular season.
Alex Denmead also impressed in a rare start last game, scoring an equaliser in the 35th minute.
Their opponents at one stage of the season sat atop the table, however a catastrophic loss of form, losing 7 of their last 12 games, saw the team slide out of the promotion places.
However, they found life when it mattered most, and pulled off a massive win against Waratah Cup champions NWS Spirit in the elimination semi-final, with Kai Denton and Shervin Adeli scoring in a 2-1 come from behind victory away from home.
Their record against the Wanderers is also strong; two quick-fire goals back in April helped secure a 2-1 win on the road, and the Wanderers needed a late debut goal from Aidan Simmons to secure a share of the points in the return fixture.
This means that despite the sides eventually finishing 12 points apart on the table, the Wanderers will need to be at their best to secure a victory that will keep their season alive.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Northern Tigers FC
Saturday 20th August 2022, 3:00PM
Wanderers Football Park
