The ladder leading Western Sydney Wanderers face their first of two massive clashes against fellow promotion chasers, making the trip to Turramurra on Saturday to face Northern Tigers in the FNSW League One competition.
The Wanderers returned to the summit for the first time since round two after recording a workmanlike 1-0 win away to Mounties Wanderers, with Connor Rose grabbing his 8th goal of the season.
The result means they sit two points clear of second placed Central Coast, and six points ahead of their opponents this weekend, who currently sit in fifth.
The Tigers have been one of the stronger teams this season, having been top of the table at different stages of the season, however a poor run of form with one win in their last five saw them slip out of the promotion spots for the first time this season.
To add to their frustration, they conceded goals in stoppage time in two of their past three games, dropping three crucial points in the process.
In spite of their recent inconsistencies, they cannot be taken for granted, as they inflicted the only home defeat on the Wanderers so far this season in the reverse fixture.
On that day, two quickfire goals from Alexander Brown and Oliver Scott gave the Tigers a 2-1 victory in a match which showcased their ability to be clinical in key moments.
Brown has been a standout for his team, scoring 10 goals in 19 games, he will pose a huge test for a Wanderers defence that will be buoyed by keeping clean-sheets in the past two matches.
The Wanderers will also rely heavily on the likes of George Antonis and Lochlan Constable to win the battle in the midfield, the pair started together for the first time this season last week and were hugely impressive.
With the business end of the season approaching along with aspirations of finals and promotion, this is certainly the match of the round, and could be season-defining for both sides.
Northern Tigers FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 25th June 2022, 7:00pm
North Turramurra Recreation Area
