The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 face arch nemesis Sydney FC at the Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Friday night as they hope to topple their biggest rival to break an unfortunate run of losses.
Two teams, two different complexions on their season, but that is all forgotten when the two sides take the field on Friday.
This one means more to the boys from Rooty Hill, their season on the line, one last chance to make a statement and prove they are too good a side to go down.
Who better than your biggest rival to prove that against? Time and time again, the Wanderers have all the fight and none of the punch. You may put that down to experience, or even pure luck, but the one thing that cannot be taken away from them is their heart. The Wanderers leave it all out on the field every week regardless of the result, and this game will be no different.
The Wanderers come off a courageous defeat against Marconi, having conceded a corner in the 37th minute at the hands of Tess Mourdoukoutas. The Stallions handed them their fifth loss in six games.
Sydney FC started the season with a level of confidence that saw them enter finals football conversations. Although, following a six goal thumping of Manly that many consider the apex of their season so far, they have failed to win in the following four games — most recently drawing with Mount Druitt in a 0-0 deadlock.
The last time the two sides faced off, it ended in a 0-0 draw as Gus Hoefsloot proved the difference, making in excess of 15 saves, ensuring his ten man Sydney FC walked away victors against the odds.
The Key Decider: Catching a Shooting Star
There has been a change of the guard at Sky Park. Matthias Macallister, Joe Lacey and former Wanderer Akol Akon have recently been promoted into the A-League squad, most recently playing in the 2-1 win against Wrexham. Lacey and Akon combined for the winning goal in what seems to be a confidence booster for the young stars.
The Wanderers will need to ensure that they are not given as much time and space on the ball as Maja and Costanzo had on the weekend. Lacey, despite being down to ten men last time the two sides faced off, was a standout performer, having created multiple opportunities against momentum. The midfielder has had a breakout season this past year and will punish the Wanderers defence if given the space.
Rest assured, the Wanderers will be hungry to break their winless streak, and if history is to repeat itself, this will be a close match up with plenty of blood, sweat and tears to be left on the field.
Expect an enthralling clash between two sides who will be gunning for the three points against their bitter rival on the weekend following a treacherous run of form.
NPL NSW Round 24
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Friday 18th of July, 7:30pm
Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre
