The Wanderers NPL 1 side travel to Cromer Park on Friday night in search of back-to-back wins when they take on Manly United as they enter the final few weeks of the competition.
As the season heads to its final few rounds, the table begins to take shape and both sides head into this game in similar form.
The Wanderers come into this game following a monumental 2-1 win over their arch rivals Sydney FC that broke a treacherous run of form.
While Manly United, who have only won one of their last eight games, look to recover from what has seemingly been a fall from grace following a strong start to the season following a disappointing loss to the Wolves.
Manly United appear safe from relegation despite recent form, but are out of finals contention. The Wanderers, however, now sit in the relegation play-off spot, overtaken by the in-form Mariners who have climbed to 14th.
If results stay the same, the two sides will meet in a thrilling final-round clash with a relegation play-off on the line.
The last time these sides met, the Wanderers ended a six-game winless streak with a commanding 2-0 win over Manly. Julian Cop and Aidan Simmons found the net in one of the team’s most dominant performances of the season.
The Key Decider: A Polished Performance
The Wanderers delivered arguably their most polished performance last week against Sydney FC, with early clinical finishing rattling the opposition and leaving them with too much ground to make up.
The Wanderers have proven they can match the league’s best with hard work and determination, but have often lacked the finishing touch to secure all three points.
Last week’s performance told a different story, and their earlier clash with Manly showed the Wanderers can deliver a full 90-minute effort and come away with all three points.
They will need to execute the same plan, and if they are to win away from home, will need to block out the noise of the Manly faithful.
NPL NSW Round 25
Manly United FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Friday 25th of July, 7:30pm
Cromer Park
