The Wanderers NPL 1 Women’s side travel to Lambert Park on Sunday to take on the ladder leading APIA Leichhardt in search of their third win of the season.
The Western Sydney Wanderers travel to Lambert Park in hope they can topple league leaders, Apia Leichhardt, following a 2-1 victory over the Gladesville Ravens last weekend.
APIA Leichhardt are coming off their first defeat of the season, following a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Mount Druitt Town Rangers. A Roukayah Al Fararje goal in the added time was enough to hand Apia their first taste of defeat.
Meanwhile, an Anika Stajcic second half goal was enough to seal the Wanderers second win of the season.
The Wanderers come into this game as the league’s second-best attacking side, only bettered by UNSW. They will need to be at their attacking best if they are to topple the Leichhardt side as they currently average a goal conceded per game.
This is shaping up to be a classic defence-versus-attack contest. If the Red and Black are to have any chance of toppling the league leaders, they’ll need to be clinical in front of goal. And if this season is any indication, when the Wanderers score one, a second often follows. On the other hand, APIA’s defence has consistently shown the resilience to shut out opponents and strike back decisively at the other end.
The Key Decider: Gisella Pipino v Sienna Arrarte
Sienna Arrarte’s ability to contain Gisella Pipino could prove decisive on Sunday, with the crafty midfielder set to orchestrate play behind APIA’s front three. Pipino has repeatedly shown her quality with the ball at her feet and isn’t shy about pulling the trigger from range — as demonstrated by her stunning long-range strike against NSW.
In saying that, Arrarte will have to be at her defensive best as giving Pipino a yard of space could be detrimental to the hopes of the Wanderers.
The Wanderers midfielder continues to excel with her physicality in challenges and her role as a shield in front of the back four. Time and again this season, opposition teams have looked to the wide channels to bypass Arrarte’s effective marking and control of the central areas.
This match is shaping up to be an exciting contest, with a win for the Wanderers potentially sparking a run of form early in their inaugural season. However, APIA sit atop the table for a reason and won’t go down without a fight.
NPL NSW Women’s Round 5
APIA Leichhardt v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Sunday 6 April, 5:00pm
Lambert Park
