Western Sydney Wanderers are flying after three consecutive wins and host an equally as impressive Wellington Phoenix outfit in this weekend’s standout clash. Here are three major talking points to wet the appetite.
Has Federico Piovaccari opened the floodgates?
Following weeks of mixed reviews Federico Piovaccari got off the mark against Melbourne City, making the most of sloppy defensive work in somewhat controversial circumstances. Back at Wanderland this Saturday the 31-year-old is presented with the perfect opportunity to prove his maiden A-League goal was not just a fluke. Although the Italian has contributed his fair share off the ball, he’s finishing has seen him cop criticism from all angles and in many ways been the missing piece of Tony Popovic’s puzzle.
New-look Wanderers coming of age
After a frustrating Sydney Derby in third round, Popovic’s grand plan seems to have begun falling into place, seeing his side lift from cellar dwellers to fourth with three straight wins. Mitch Nichols has been a revelation all season, working tirelessly to pull the strings alongside Australian marquee Dario Vidosic. The past three weekends have seen the side’s shaky defence begin to play with aplomb, removing elementary errors from their game and keep three clean sheets. Coming off the back of a stunning performance against Melbourne City, a clash against one of the league’s strongest sides will test just how far the revamped Wanderers have come in recent weeks.
Can Western Sydney keep Roly Bonevacia at bay?
Last weekend Roly Bonevacia was in inspired form against Adelaide United, as he scored a goal of the season contender and tormented the Reds defence all game. That performance aside, the attacking midfielder has been a standout player for the Nix all campaign, troubling defences and setting up teammates Michael McGlinchey, Roy Krishna and Jeffrey Sarpong. Should Bonevacia pick up where he left off in Wellington, the Wanderers defence could well be in for their hardest task in weeks, one that if not contained, could end their winning streak.
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