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Western Sydney Wanderers vs Urawa |
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|---|---|---|
2017 Asian Champions League Group Stages |
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| Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney | ||
| Western Sydney Wanderers | Urawa | |
| 0 | SCORE | 4 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
The Western Sydney Wanderers will begin their third Asian Champions League campaign in their five-year history as they welcome Japanese powerhouse, the Urawa Red Diamonds, to Campbelltown Stadium. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The Wanderers quenched their derby thirst in their last match, defeating rivals Sydney FC for the first time in 1134 days. But their win wasn’t without controversy, with a pair of potential penalties against Western Sydney harshly waved away.
The Wanderers’ form throughout this season has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. They have managed only five wins this season and have conceded 29 goals in 20 matches.
This makes this Champions League campaign that much more important, especially for struggling manager Tony Popovic, whose job may hinge on an improved continental performance.
The Wanderers’ derby win will hopefully propel them to greater performances, however, the dressing room is still wary of carrying on their form, as they have yet to achieve back-to-back wins this season.
Urawa Red Diamonds are yet to begin their J-League season, but they participated in the J-League Super Cup against title winners Kashima Antlers, going down 3-2 as Yuma Suzuki slammed home the winner seven minutes from full time.
However, the Urawa Reds are an immensely strong team. Last season, they finished first in the overall split season table with 74 points. They also made the final of both the Japanese Emperors Cup and the J-League Super Cup but fell short of success in each competition.
Key Battle – Dimas Delgado versus Yuki Muto
Dimas is Western Sydney’s midfield anchor, providing the pivot in the middle of the park that makes the Wanderers’ transition from defence into attack so fluid.
However, he’ll have a tough job keeping Japanese attacking midfielder Yuki Muto quiet.
Though Muto acts as a shadow striker and is often pulling the strings outside the box, the 28-year-old is just as adept at penetrating the penalty area. The little magician is the Urawa equivalent of Nico Martinez – agile, terrific on the ball, and possessing a cracking shot.
Dimas’ marking abilities and strength will be tested, but he is certainly capable of keeping Muto in check.
However, the attacker will have an effect on the match, perhaps having a hand in a goal.
Prediction
The Champions League always offers a new avenue for Australian sides to direct some determination, and the Wanderers’ hunger could prove to be the difference against a strong, but technically not match-fit Urawa Red Diamonds, still in pre-season.
While it won’t be easy, the Wanderers will pull this one off.
Western Sydney Wanderers to win 2-1
Make sure to join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for all the action.
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