BY BOZZA
Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 14 October 2017
Spotless Stadium, Sydney
Kick-Off: 5.35 PM (AEDST)
Overview:
The Wanderers had more shots at goal than any other team in Week 1 of the Hyundai A-League and the Mariners conceded more goals than any other. That said the Wanderers shouldn’t expect to have it all their way when the two teams meet on Saturday at Homebush. As silly as it sounds many pundits would agree with Paul Okon sentiment that his team didn’t play as badly as the scoreline would suggest in their 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Newcastle Jets last weekend. The Wanderers haven’t tasted defeat at the end of 90 in their last 8 games and, despite recognising the threat the Mariners pose, would be confident of extending that stretch.
Recent Meetings:
The Mariners won the last meeting between the teams last season breaking a run of four games in which the Wanderers accrued 10 points. There have been goals galore in recent fixtures with 17 goals scored in the last five games, the Wanderers Brendon Santalab proving a thorn in the Wanderers side scoring five himself in this period.
Player to Watch – Oriol Riera:
The 31-year-old Spaniard has had an immediate impact in his short time in Sydney’s West having found the back of the net in each of his four competitive matches for the Wanderers since arriving from Deportivo La Caruna via Osasuna. A product of the Barcelona youth system, Western Sydney’s Marquee Man’s aerial ability and physical presence will cause the Wanderers no end of headaches on Saturday afternoon.
Selected Squads:
Predictions:
The Sportress 