06 Oct Football Nation Season Preview: Western Sydney Wanderers

Overview:

It was a weird year for the Wanderers, who managed to secure 12 draws for the season which was the most draws from any A-League team last season.

Wanderers had to travel to Brisbane for the Elimination Final, and even though played consistent through the park failed to beat the Roar in the penalty shootouts losing 6-5 and getting knocked out of the competition.

On the eve of the season, the red and black were rocked with the sudden departure of coach Tony Popovic, who has just accepted a coaching role for Turkish side Karabukspor.

Without their inaugural coach, it should be interesting to see how the team can get their heads in the right mindset come round 1 against Perth Glory.

Ins and Outs:

INS: Josh Risdon, Roly Bonevacia, Michael Thwaite, John Hall, Oriol Riera, Marc Tokich, Chris Herd, Mark Bridges, Alvaro Cejudo and Raul Llorente

OUTS: Tony Popovic, Mario Shabow, Scott Neville, Shannon Cole, Mitch Nichols, Dimas, Bruno Pinatares, Aritz Borda, Nicolas Martinez, Terry Antonis, Liam Youlley, Emilio Martinez, Stefan Zinni, Jackson Bandiera and Ryan Griffiths

Before Popovic’s departure the Wanderers had picked up some quality signings, and it won’t affect how they play their football this season.

Josh Risdon is a key right back coming from Perth Glory, and at the age of 25 still has his best football ahead of him. Risdon will be guaranteed regular spot in the back four for the red and black and can link up with Robbie Cornthwaite, Jack Clisby and the newly signed Michael Thwaite down back.

Wanderers have a new marquee striker in Spaniard Oriol Riera, and we saw the first glimpse of him when the red and black took on Arsenal in a friendly. Riera also brings in experience from one of the La Liga after stints with Osasuna and Deportivo La Coruna, with 23 goals in 102 games. We can also lick our lips for the fact we could have a Riera v Bobo shootout in the upcoming Sydney Derby’s which will be a fantastic sight to see.

The Wanderers also bring back favourite striker Mark Bridge, and out of favour Socceroo Chris Herd who is looking to get back into contention to play for his country.

Terry Antonis loan spell at the red and black came to an end with the midfielder heading to the Dutch league signing with VVV-Venio on a two year deal.

Prediction:

 The Wanderers have brought depth up forward, which is something they were lacking last season only scoring 35 goals from 27 games last season.

Brendan Santalab is a great striker, but he struggles to play the full 90 minutes on the park and only shows promise when he comes off the bench. One weakness has been a key striker, and bringing in a well-known player like Riera who has shown plenty of promise in friendlies, and in their FFA Cup games gives belief the red and black finally have their man.

It’ll be good to see the link up between new recruits Michael Thwaites and Josh Risdon, Risdon showed plenty of promise at Perth Glory over 5 seasons and did cap it off with 3 Socceroos appearances.
I expect Vedran Janjetovic and John Hall share the load as the keeper, but Janjetovic should get the number 1 string.

Wanderers will make the Finals, and potentially could challenge for the trophy. I believe they will finish 5^th only on goal difference, but expect a much more competitive red and black in season 2017/18.

2017/18 prediction: 5^th