Friday night kicks off with a clash between old rivals Western Sydney and the Central Coast, with the Mariners in with a chance at ending their 2012-13 grand final opponents’ chances at the premiership.
Western Sydney’s ‘Wanderland farewell’
During the week, Western Sydney announced that while they wait for Pirtek Stadium to be upgraded to 35,000 seats they’ll make ANZ Stadium their home for the 2016-17 season. With fans saying a temporary goodbye to their ‘spiritual home’ there is no doubt Wanderland’s atmosphere will rise to a new level on Friday night, giving a necessary end of season boost for the home side. However, going from Parramatta’s local ground to the centre piece of the 2000 Olympics will certainly have some complications, with fans already questioning the loss in atmosphere their move to Olympic Park will cause.
A-League – Match Preview – Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners
Tony Popovic to tinker with the side?
With finals fast approaching a home clash against the league’s cellar-dwellers provides Tony Popovic with the chance to match-test any last minute tactical or personnel changes – and given the promotion of Jacob Pepper, Brendan Hamill, Golgol Mebrahtu and Jonathan Aspropotamitis, this looks likely. Although it’s a risky move as the Wanderers sit two points off of first place, if the side is to be tinkered with and still pull off a win it will show Western Sydney have the same depth and versatility that has seen Melbourne City and Adelaide United win plaudits in the past month, and certainly boost their chances in what should be a thrillingly close finals series.
How will a loss leave the Wanderers?
Tinkering with the side might sound like a great idea should Western Sydney win, but the reality is while the Mariners are anchored to last place they could still shock the home side, and leave them in a frustrating position with one match remaining. With a mere four points separating Brisbane in first and Perth in fifth, a win for the Wanderers could well keep them in the race for the premiership and an all-important home final. On the other hand, a loss leaves them facing the end of their chances at early silverware and at the mercy of Perth Glory. The Western Australians, who sit one place below the Wanderers, can demote Popovic’s side to an away final if they beat Melbourne City.
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