The Western Sydney Wanderers will face a tough test on Friday night when they travel to the Sam Kerr Football Centre to take on Perth Glory in the Ninja A-League.
After a busy start to January, the Red & Black will look to build on the positives from their 1-1 draw against Canberra United earlier this week, a performance that showcased their resilience and fighting spirit.
Seventeen-year-old Milly Bennett was the star of the show, netting her first Ninja A-League goal and producing a last-ditch block to secure a valuable point for Geoff Abrahams’ side.
The Wanderers will need similar moments of composure and creativity if they are to trouble a Perth team currently riding high on confidence.
The match promises to be a high-intensity encounter. The Wanderers, coming off two challenging defeats to Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix in previous rounds, are keen to translate their hard work into tangible results.
In the draw against Canberra, Western Sydney demonstrated patience in defence and composure in attack, gradually growing into the match after conceding early. Kim So-Eun, Yuan Cong, and Ena Harada all provided moments of quality, while Bennett’s composed finish in the second half highlighted the potential of the squad’s younger players to make a real impact at this level.
Perth Glory, meanwhile, have made a strong start to 2026, recording a third successive 1-0 victory over Newcastle Jets. Izzy Dalton’s early strike gave the home side the edge, and a disciplined defensive performance ensured the clean sheet despite late pressure from the Jets.
Glory’s ability to manage games while taking their chances efficiently has seen them climb into the top six and establish themselves as one of the more consistent sides in the league this season.
Their combination of technical skill and tactical discipline makes them a formidable opponent, and they will look to continue their winning run on home soil.
For the Wanderers, this matchup represents an opportunity to continue building confidence and to test themselves against a team performing well in the league.
Maintaining defensive concentration, being clinical in front of goal, and taking advantage of key moments will be crucial if they are to claim a rare win away from home.
Fans can expect a fast-paced, physically demanding contest where momentum swings and decisive interventions could determine the outcome.
With both teams eager to make their mark early in the New Year, Friday night’s clash promises to deliver plenty of excitement for Ninja A-League supporters.
