After a challenging start to the 2025/26 season, the Western Sydney Wanderers are set to return home to CommBank Stadium tonight for their Round 5 clash against the Central Coast Mariners.
The team has been on the road for the past four weeks and with the first home match since Round 1, there is a renewed sense of energy and opportunity.
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The Wanderers are looking to build momentum and get their season back on track.
While results have been mixed so far, the squad has shown glimpses of their potential and Head Coach Alen Stajcic is confident that the team can combine hard work, tactical adjustments, and the support of their members and fans to make a positive impact.
The match also marks a special milestone for midfielder Steven Ugarkovic, who will play his 250th A-League game tonight, bringing experience and leadership to the side.
“It’s great to be back home, back in front of our own fans,” Stajcic said at the pre-match press conference.
“We’ve been away for a long time now, four or five weeks since we played. I can’t wait to get back home and put on a performance in front of our home fans.”
On preparing for the Mariners, Stajcic stressed the importance of continuous improvement.
“Our focus is always the same, just getting better. Whether we win, lose, or draw, it’s always the same – improve the areas that we need to improve on.
“There have been lots of good elements to our game, but certainly a lot of areas that we need to improve as well, both going forward and defending.
“We’ve been working hard over the last two weeks to try and rectify as many of those as we can and implement them in the game.”
Stajcic also highlighted Ugarković’s experience and influence on the squad.
“He’s a brilliant character around the change room, a leader, and brings all that experience with him. He’s completed a few clubs now and won the A-League, so all that stuff is invaluable. He’s a brilliant addition to the squad.”
As the Wanderers return to their home ground, all eyes will be on the team to see how they respond.
With the crowd behind them and key players bringing both skill and leadership, there is a sense of optimism that Round 5 could be the turning point the club has been looking for this season.
