The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side travel to Lambert Park on Saturday as they take on APIA Leichhardt in a must win clash for both sides.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-0 defeat last weekend against the Wollongong Wolves when they take on eighth-place APIA Leichhardt in a must-win clash for both teams as both teams aim to stay in close contention with the leading pack as the league table begins to take shape.
A late Troy Danaskos double saw APIA let a 3-1 lead slip, which handed them their second draw of the season in one of the most exciting matches of the season. APIA’s defensive woes continue to haunt them as they come into this game with the most goals conceded by any team in the competition.
The Wanderers on the other hand, have faced their own struggles this season in front of goal, only scoring four goals in six games. Their clinical inability in games this season has cost them on the pitch this season, but much like APIA, whatever they may lack in, they make up for it with plenty of fight and courage.
The Key Decider: The Internal Battle
This game will be a true test of character for both sides as they will look to test the resolve of their opponent with the areas, they have struggled the most with.
Having conceded 15 goals this season, questions have been raised around APIA Leichhardt’s defensive stability this season, so the question will remain on whether they will be able to contain a hungry Wanderers attack that will be looking to overcome their own obstacles in front of goal.
Despite scoring only four goals this season, the Wanderers’ tenacity remains the driving force behind their performances. While they often match their opponents in terms of goal attempts, a lack of clinical finishing has been their downfall.
Ultimately they will look to take a page from the league’s best attacking team, APIA, and give everything they’ve got this Saturday. If this season is any indication, APIA will bring their high-energy, rock-and-roll style and leave it all on the pitch.
The Wanderers will hoping players like Alaat Abdul-Rahman can rediscover their clinical edge, while Luka Knezevic looks to turn his recent attacking form into goals. Meanwhile, APIA’s Presley Oritz will be eager to add to his five goals this season.
Nathan Barrie and Ricky Fransen will be a welcomed addition if they can return to the side in time for the clash.
A win for either team will keep them in close contention with the leaders at the top fo the table, while a loss could prove to be a significant setback early in the season, especially given the way the league is shaping up.
Expect an end-to-end game with plenty of goals, if past encounters are anything to go by.
NPL NSW Round 6
APIA Leichhardt vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 22 of March, 6:30pm
Lambert Park
