The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 Men’s side travel to Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday night in a bid to kick start their season.
Despite failing to secure three points in the opening round of the season last Saturday, there were plenty of positives the Red & Black can take from the match.
The Wanderers will look to be at their clinical best to get the win against Sydney Olympic who were one of only three teams that walked away with a victory in the opening round.
Sydney Olympic were 2-1 victors against St George FC on Saturday, with an Adam Parkhouse volley separating the two teams in what was described as a gala-like atmosphere out at Belmore. The Belmore faithful were a driving force in last Saturday’s battle and are set to make a big impact again this weekend against the Wanderers.
The Wanderers on the other hand created plenty of chances as they proved how dangerous they can be slicing teams open on the transition.
Their ability to move the ball out from the back at pace and get on the front foot was key against Mount Druitt, however, this will be a tougher challenge against Sydney Olympic who are a more experienced side than the newly promoted Rangers.
The Wanderers will rely on their senior players to step up in key moments, as they field a far less experienced squad than their opponents.
Goalkeeper Tristian Vidakovic played a vital role in keeping the team level on Saturday, making eight saves including two crucial stops in stoppage time. His experience will be key in guiding the Wanderers to victory.
Key Match Up: Jesse Cameron v Adam Parkhouse
Adam Parkhouse had his hand in everything positive for Sydney Olympic, as the former Wellington Phoenix forward looks to replicate his goal and assist in a man of the match performance again on Saturday.
Jesse Cameron, aiming to build on a strong past six months, got the better of winger Thomas Lopez on Saturday, contributing in both attack and defense. However, he faces a tougher challenge this week, with Parkouse set to the test the 18-year-old fullback using his 13 years of experience.
This battle will play a massive part in the result, as Olympic will look rely on their left side of attack to break the game open, as they did against St George
The Western Sydney Wanderers have failed to win at Belmore in their last three attempts but look to break that streak on Saturday in a bid to get their first win of the season.
This match is expected to be tougher than last Saturday, but it also presents a great opportunity for the young Wanderers to secure all three points – provided they rediscover their clinical edge and play with the same fearlessness they showed last weekend.
NPL NSW Round 2
Sydney Olympic FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 15th February, 5:00pm
Belmore Sports Ground
