Saturday, October 24th, 7pm NZT
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Written by Jonno Ross
Auckland FC are on the road for the first time this season, travelling across the Tasman to face Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night. It’s only the second round of the new A-League campaign, but already there’s plenty at stake for both sides, who will be desperate to pick up three points.
Western Sydney Wanderers are a team looking to turn over a new leaf this season. After a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, they’ve made changes in the hope of becoming a genuine threat in the competition once again.
One of the biggest changes has come in the dugout, with former Sydney FC Manager Ufuk Talay taking charge of the Wanderers. It’s an interesting appointment, especially considering his history with their biggest rivals. He’ll be determined to prove that he’s the right man for the job, and what better way to make an impression on the home supporters than beating Auckland FC?
The Wanderers opened their season with the Sydney Derby against Sydney FC last weekend. In what was expected to be a fiery encounter between two bitter rivals, neither side could find the back of the net, with the game finishing 0-0.
It wasn’t exactly the start Western Sydney Wanderers would’ve wanted, particularly from an attacking point of view. The Wanderers struggled to create enough clear-cut opportunities, something their new manager will certainly be looking to address before Saturday.
However, there’s one thing Auckland FC can’t afford to do, and that’s underestimate them.
Saturday’s game will be their first home fixture of the new campaign. CommBank Stadium can be an intimidating place to visit when the Red and Black Bloc are in full voice, and there’s no doubt the Wanderers will be looking to use that atmosphere to their advantage.
But here’s something worth remembering. Auckland FC have enjoyed their trips to Western Sydney since entering the A-League.
Auckland remain undefeated against Western Sydney Wanderers. They’ve played four times against this weekend’s opponent, winning three and drawing the other. In fact, out of the three wins for AFC, they’ve kept a clean sheet in all victories. A stat that Michael Woud and his defensive back line will be eager to keep intact.
Come kickoff on Saturday evening, all records will be forgotten and off the table. It’s the three points that are at stake, and that’s what both teams will be gunning for, no matter how they get them.
For Auckland FC, the challenge is to build momentum early in the season and show the rest of the competition that they’re going to be just as difficult to beat, just as they’ve been over their first two campaigns.
Auckland will go into this game as the odds-on favourites. Their away record last season earned them a top-two finish. This fixture will be all about capitalising on chances that fall their way. They must be clinical. ,
It’s still very early days in the season, and no team is going to win or lose the league in October. But these are the games that can make a difference further down the track.
Auckland FC have already established themselves as one of the competition’s toughest opponents. Maintaining that reputation means picking up points away from home, particularly against teams who are trying to rebuild.
A win on Saturday would be another positive step towards what we all hope will be another successful season.
Three points are there for the taking. The boys just need to go out and get them.
Players to Watch:
Liam Gillion – Western Sydney Wanderers
This will be strange. An ex-crowd favourite for Auckland FC is now donning the red and black. Gillion’s move to a new club would have stemmed from not having nearly enough game time for AFC over his first two seasons in the A League.
He will no doubt want to prove to not only his old club, but his new club as well that he is a force to be reckoned with. Fingers crossed he doesn’t come back to haunt us.
Lachie Bayliss – Auckland FC
What a dream start to his AFC career. You don’t need reminding: his two goals on debut against Melbourne City were world-class, and his first from more than 30 yards out will be a goal of the season contender already. Let’s hope his confidence grows, and he can continue from where he left off.
Sam Cosgrove – Auckland FC
Cozzee will be one to keep an eye on this weekend. The big striker’s physical presence and ability to cause problems inside the opposition penalty area make him a difficult player for defenders to deal with.
He’ll be determined to get on the scoresheet this weekend, especially after receiving some media backlash from the press in recent times. Time to shut those critics up on Saturday.
Where to Watch
- Sky Sport 4
- Paramount+
- Tyler St
