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Four losses from as many starts isn’t exactly the ideal way to begin a season. But, all things considered, could the Wanderers have been set an early assessment any more difficult?
Let me get this straight. This isn’t an article to lay the blame of successive defeats at the hands of the FFA, the AFC, FIFA or anyone else over their difficult schedule thus far.
But you can’t help to think that Western Sydney’s success in Asia has done them little favours in the domestic competition.
Prior to conquering Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the Wanderers had travelled to Melbourne to take on the Victory in a heated Round 1 clash.
A week later, they would again be on the road – regardless, a short drive – to contest a feisty derby against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
Follow that up with a trip to Perth via Wellington and via Riyadh, and you can begin to forgive the Wanderers for sitting stagnant at the bottom of the league, yet to register a point.
Forgiveness, however, is the last thing a manager like Tony Popovic would want bestowed upon his chargers. As a strategist, Popovic has proven relentless, particular and above and beyond all – unforgiving.
Tonight, after four weeks on the road, the Wanderers return to the fortress that is Parramatta Stadium for the first of four home fixtures in a row.
The Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and the Brisbane Roar will all head west as Parramatta hosts four matches inside 15 days.
Without doubt the Wanderers will be not only hopeful but also quietly confident of taking the 12 points on offer.
Backed by the boisterous RBB, their last 10 games at the venue – across all competitions – have yielded seven wins and two draws, for just one defeat.
Roar expert Debbie Spillane last week wrote that it’s too early to write them off – and she’s right.
They still have 23 regular season matches to play, 14 of these at home.
Those statistics though, mean very little if they can’t back it up again this season.
If the Wanderers want to make it a grand final three-peat, they have to get back to their winning ways. And they must do this starting tonight.
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