The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 return to Wanderers Football Park to face St George FC in a must-win clash as a loss could potentially confirm relegation for the Red and Black.
The maths is simple: two points off Mount Druitt Town Rangers, four points off the Central Coast and Sutherland Sharks, win and you survive another week, a Wanderers loss and a Mount Druitt win over Sutherland gets the Red and Black relegated.
That is the fate that the Wanderers face this week, the stakes have not been higher all season and the weight has never been as heavy on the shoulders of the young Wanderers squad.
The Wanderers come into this game off a heart breaking 1-0 loss over Blacktown City, in a game where the Red and Black welcomed back a host of stars in hope they could topple the finals bound side. Former Wanderer Reuben Awaritefe scored in the 83rd minute to edge his side one step closer to securing finals football, further adding to the Wanderers woes.
Winless in three, and coming off a 3-0 defeat, St George FC will look to finish the season on a high at the expense of the Wanderers season following a fall from grace after a flying start to season 2025.
The last time the two sides faced off, the Wanderers ran rampant at Barton Park, walking away 3-0 victors in one of their performances of the season. Alaat Abdul-Rahman, Edmun Haddad scored two first half goals before Richard Nkomo iced the game off in added time to seal a valuable three points.
The Key Decider: No Room for Error
This is it, there are no second chances and fate lies in the hands of the Wanderers. In what was an almost perfectly executed defensive performance by the Red and Black against a side headed for finals, all it took was one missight in concentration and one point became zero.
The Wanderers have never been questioned on their effort, but have often lacked the polish to finish teams off when the opportunity arises. The season has not been pretty, but there has been an underlying appreciation for their willingness to give it their all against their opponents.
This is a game where every shot, every tackle, every pass makes a difference, the club is facing the possibility of relegation and the eleven players on the field must ensure that they leave no room for error as one mistake could land a fatal blow to the Red and Black side.
They will look to rely on their A-League experience and take inspiration from their last win over St George FC, as they will hope to take their chances all the way through to next Sunday against Central Coast Mariners Academy.
Two wins in the next two weeks could secure safety, or worst case scenario, head into a relegation play off against the runner up of League One. A loss this week and fate is no longer in your hands.
Expect an enthralling clash as the Red and Black will look to leave it all out on the field in search for safety.
NPL NSW Round 29
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v St George FC
Saturday 23rd August 2025, 7:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
