Two academy sides will go to battle on Sunday afternoon, as both the Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC look to secure a crucial win in the NPL NSW competition.
Both sides have endured difficult periods this season and sit at the bottom end of the table after a third of the season.
The Bulls are currently in last place and are the only side left in the competition yet to win a game this season.
Whilst they had a couple of promising draws against APIA Leichhardt and St George City, they were defeated in their last match by Sydney Olympic 1-0; this match was two weeks ago as their match against Rockdale Ilinden last weekend was postponed.
They finished the match against Olympic with 10 men, as Joel Bertolissio picked up two yellow cards in the space of two minutes, meaning he will miss this weekend’s clash.
The Bulls squad also features a number of players who used to don the Red & Black in previous seasons. Bertolissio, Issac Hovar, Jesper Webber and Ayman Gulasi all played for the Wanderers academy side but made the switch across to the Bulls in the last 12 months.
The Wanderers come into this match off the back of two straight defeats. They went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sutherland Sharks at home; they were unable to convert one of their many chances, and were condemned to defeat by an Alexander Brown goal just before half-time.
A win for the Wanderers would put them six points of their opponents, creating a much needed gap between them and the relegation places. And with a Sydney Derby looming on the horizon, a victory would be the perfect preparation for that match and for a run of fixtures that look favourable.
NPL NSW Round 11
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Bulls FC Academy
Sunday 16 March 2023, 3pm
Wanderers Football Park
