The Western Sydney Wanderers are back at Wanderers Football Park on Friday night to face Sutherland Sharks as both teams look to build on their first wins of the season last weekend.
The Wanderers look to remain undefeated on Friday night when the Sutherland Sharks travel to Wanderers Football Park.
Striker Awan Lual made the decisive impact last week, sealing the victory with a crucial late goal.
While Sutherland Sharks cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Manly United last round with midfielder Maki Petratos netting a brace. However, it was Lachlan McDonald who stole the spotlight, delivering a stunning goal from an almost impossible angle.
Both teams walk into this game on 4 points and will look to create some separation from the other 3 teams’ level with them on the ladder, if they can secure the win.
The Wanderers have been able to control most of the possession in their opening two games of the season.
Averaging 53.6% of the ball, and 13 shots on goal a game. The statistics will tell you that the Wanderers are most dangerous with the ball in possession, but their most dangerous moments have been on the transition, picking teams apart on the counter.
The Red & Black’s relentless pace and dynamic attacking runs have been enough to unsettle opponents, but a lack of clinical finishing has prevented them from sealing victories.
Nevertheless, the courageous young Wanderers have been able to take plenty of positives from the opening fortnight and will look to build on that against the Sharks this Friday night.
A key factor in the Sharks’ win over Manly was their high press, with the third goal exemplifying their ability to force turnovers in the attacking third.
Statistically, the Wanderers outperform the Sharks in both total passes and long passes completed, making their ability to bypass the press and transition into attack a crucial element in their pursuit of all three points.
Key Match Up: Tristan Vidakovic v Daniel Nizic
Tristan Vidakovic has saved 14/15 shots that he has faced this season, leading the league in saves and playing a crucial role in the Wanderers’ results this season.
Vidakovic will again be vital to the Wanderers picking up a result on Friday as the Sharks will look to add to their 5 goals scored this season.
Former Wanderers goalkeeper Daniel Nizic has also been in fine form, stopping 9 out of the 111 shots he’s faced. His standout moment came in the first half against Manly, producing a brilliant reflex save that kept them at bay and shifted the momentum in his team’s favour.
The Wanderers’ struggles in finishing has put added pressure on Vidakovic, with his crucial saves often determining the difference between a win, a draw, or even a loss.
Meanwhile, Nizic has been instrumental in allowing Sutherland to play with freedom, providing a sense of security at the back. With both goalkeepers serving as key pillars for their teams, their performances will be vital in the battle for all three points.
The Sharks heavily relied on their right-side of attack last week, meaning Richard Nkomo will face a tougher challenge balancing his defensive duties with his attacking support after an impressive start to the season.
Meanwhile, Sharks winger Mason Fernandes will be eager to build on his assist from last round, but breaking past the in-form fullback will be no easy task.
Based on form, this will be the Red & Black’s toughest task yet, but if they are anywhere near as courageous and willing as last week, the three points are not out of the question.
NPL NSW Round 3
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Sutherland Sharks FC
Friday 21st February, 7:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
