The Young Wanderers will be hoping that home comforts can power them towards a positive result when they host Marconi Stallions on Saturday night in their next NPL NSW match.
They come into this match off the back of a 2-2 draw with APIA Leichhardt FC, where a late Jarrod Carluccio goal meant the side got a share of the points after falling behind in the second half.
Andrew Christiansen will be happy with the spirit and the fight that his side showed against a talented APIA team, and will be hoping that the side can carry confidence from that performance and translate it into a third win over the season.
Whilst sixth placed Marconi have had some impressive performances so far this season, they have struggled for consistency; they defeated Manly United 3-1 in their last match up, but this was preceded by a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Sutherland.
Former Wanderer Jordi Swibel is their top scorer with six goals, whilst Hiroaki Aoyama and Liam Youlley have been pulling the strings in the midfield when Marconi are at their best. The versatile Brandon Vella has also impressed in recent weeks, putting in an eyecatching performance at full-back last week against Manly.
The threat that Marconi possess going forward will pose a stern test for the Wanderers defence, though their defensive performance last week was a considerable improvement. Alex Bonetig in particular was strong at the heart of defence, and was named in the NPL team of the week, whilst Jack Warshawsky also made some key saves in his return to the side.
Last week’s result represented a step in the right direction, and with a favourable run of fixtures coming up, a win against the Stallions could be the platform to give the Wanderers season a crucial boost.
NPL 1 Fixture
Western Sydney Wanderers v Marconi Stallions
Saturday 1 April 2023, 5:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
