The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side return to Wanderers Football Park on Saturday as they take on Apia Leichhardt in a must win clash for both sides.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side return to Wanderers Football Park on Saturday as they take on Apia Leichhardt in a must win clash for both sides.
A win for either side has different implications, due to both Mount Druitt Town Rangers and Central Coast Mariners picking up wins in recent weeks, the gap between the Wanderers and the relegation zone has reduced to one point.
APIA Leichhardt on the other hand, have won 7 from their last 9 games, and sit four points off the top of the ladder. Given their healthy goal difference and fixtures against Rockdale Ilinden and Marconi Stallions still yet to be played, a win for them could catapult them into premiership conversations.
The Wanderers were held to a 1-1 draw against the Wollongong Wolves, with an Edmun Haddad penalty almost proving the difference between the two struggling sides. APIA escaped a late comeback attempt from St George FC after a stoppage time Jaden Casella goal constituted a 3-2 win after a minor scare late in the game.
The two sides last faced off in Round 7 where APIA Leichhardt stormed home in a 6-1 win, Pressley Ortiz bagged a first half brace that saw the Leichhardt side raced to a four goal half time lead in what was a monumental trouncing of the Red and Black side in the landscape of their season.
The Key Decider: Edmun Haddad
Haddad’s composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and ability to link defense and attack has been integral to the Wanderers’ attacking dynamics, and despite the side’s disappointing form he continues to develop his skills and tactical understanding.
Week to week his influence grows in the side, and irregardless of where he is playing, he has proved to perform wherever he plays. The game against the Wolves saw numerous players missing from action, and the young attacker took the opportunity to stand up and make his presence known.
Despite only being twenty years of age, has potential and maturity beyond his years and if he is to have the same attitude and freedom against APIA, the Wanderers will be on their way to collecting a win. However, it also means the remaining ten players will need to back Haddad up and support the young attacker as he continues to blossom.
Expect an enthralling affair, where both sides will be desperate to take all three points home.
NPL NSW Round 22
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v APIA Leichhardt
Saturday 5th of July, 1:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
