The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side return to Wanderers Football Park as they take on the Marconi Stallions in search of their first win since Round 16.
The Wanderers face Marconi on Saturday night in what looks to be a must-win game for both sides, who are fighting battles at both ends of the table.
The Wanderers come into this match following a hard-fought battle against APIA Leichhardt in a 1-0 loss to the inner-west side. An own goal from Leon Alizart proved to be the difference in what was a performance to build on, with plenty of positives to take away despite the result.
Marconi, on the other hand, defeated arch-rivals Sydney United in a captivating 2-0 victory, with stalwarts Marko Jesic and Jake Trew both getting on the scoresheet in a statement performance. The win marks a second consecutive victory for the Bossley Park side following an uncharacteristic three-game winless run.
Both teams will be desperate to claim all three points on Saturday, but for very different reasons. Marconi currently sit level on points with league leaders Rockdale Ilinden but remain three points ahead of NWS Spirit, who have a better goal difference. APIA trail just one point behind Spirit, rounding out the chasing pack, so a loss this weekend could derail Marconi’s regular season title hopes.
The Wanderers have a different fight on their hands, a relegation battle. Eight games remaining, three teams and only one can survive. One point is all that separates the Wanderers and bottom place Mount Druitt, two goals is all that separates them from the Central Coast Mariners and a loss could spell the beginning of the end for the Red and Black in the NPL NSW competition.
The last time these two sides met was in Round 8, where Marconi scraped past the Wanderers in a controversial 1-0 win. A late denied penalty led to a corner at the other end, from which Marconi secured the winner at the Palace.
Key Decider: Hunger
Plain and simple, whoever wants it more will win. Marconi are chasing glory; the Wanderers are fighting for survival. It’s youth and potential versus consistency and experience.
Although this league is not as straightforward as it seems, any team can win on any given day, so expect the Wanderers to leave it all on the field in the hope of securing the valuable points needed to survive one more season.
Expect an exciting clash between two sides vying for a valuable three points in what promises to be an enthralling game for the neutral.
NPL NSW Round 23
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Marconi Stallions
Saturday 12th of July, 7:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
