The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL NSW side travels to Belmore Oval on Saturday looking to complete the double over Sydney Olympic.
Having defeated Olympic 3-2 in an entertaining clash at home back in March, a similar result would continue the Wanderers’ positive run of form and lift them further from the bottom of the table.
In that match, the Wanderers flew out to a 2-0 before being pegged back just before half time, Olympic then had Michael Neill sent off, which helped the Wanderers score a winning goal through Nathaneal Blair midway through the second half.
The boys in Red & Black will hope to continue their attacking form that has seen them score eight goals in their past two games, with Ariath Piol scoring three of those goals.
The result of their last match ended up being frustrating, as despite taking a 2-0 lead against Wollongong Wolves after 40 minutes, the Wolves were able to snatch a point with a late penalty.
It means the Wanderers are still three points from safety, but the performances in recent weeks suggest more wins are not far away.
Sydney Olympic, who finished the regular season in first last season, have struggled this season and have failed to win their last five matches.
They did hold St George City FA to a 0-0 draw last week, but that was preceded by two consecutive losses.
The form has seen them slide down the table, and a win for the Wanderers on Saturday would mean only two points would separate the sides.
Despite having former A-League striker Roy O’Donovan and former Wanderers A-League defender Ziggy Gordon, the side hasn’t won consecutive games since April, and has only won one of their last 11 matches.
Whilst it will not be an easy clash away from home against a side desperate to turn around their form, it represents a great opportunity for the Wanderers to grab a crucial three points.
NPL NSW Round 22
Sydney Olympic FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 24 June 2023, 4pm
Belmore Sports Ground
