It’s derby time in the NPL NSW, as we host our crosstown rivals in the second Sydney Derby of the season.
Important match information can be found here.
Form often goes out the window in big games, and the Wanderers will hope this applies as they have been hit hard by player availability in recent weeks, with injury, suspension and departures having a hit on the players at Andrew Chrtistiansen’s disposal.
They are winless in three, and are in need of a spark as Sydney United are now hot on their tail for a spot in the finals.
They fell to a narrow defeat without any of their scholarship players last round, losing 1-0 to NWS Spirit in a tense and tight affair.
There were positives in the returns of Jesse Cameron and Luke Nieuwenhof from international duty and injury respectively, and they will hope the pair can hit peak fitness soon.
It has been a tough season for our opponents, who had occupied a relegation spot for much of the season.
However, they have hit a decent run of form, winning two of their last three games, though they were held to a draw against bottom side Central Coast on the weekend.
They are still in the midst of a relegation battle, only one point out of the relegation playoff, and have suffered heavy defeats to APIA and Blacktown this season.
They were also thoroughly outplayed in the first Sydney Derby of the season, with the Wanderers romping in a strong second half to win 5-2, with the likes of Marcus Younis and Aydan Hammond playing a starring role in a statement victory.
The Wanderers have won all three Sydney Derby’s since their return to the NPL NSW competition, recording two one goal wins last season in addition to the earlier success in March this year.
NPL NSW Round 21
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Sydney FC
Sunday 23rd June, 3:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
