It may feel like the world is conspiring against Western Sydney, but things are beginning to fall in their favour.
Sitting fifth heading into Sunday’s home clash against Newcastle, the Wanderers will play their first game since a controversial 4-3 loss to Macarthur FC that led to head coach Marko Rudan firing from the hip about the state of the A-League Men.
While Rudan may have his gripes with league bosses and Football Australia’s refereeing, there’s no doubt that a siege mentality and some welcome inclusions could help the Wanderers climb up the table.
Star striker Brandon Borrello is looking likely to return against the Jets and goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas, who played against the Bulls less than 12 hours after getting off the plane following the Socceroos’ Asian Cup commitments, has had a full week of training under his belt.
Former German youth international Sonny Kittel, an experienced and creative playmaker, has also arrived in the country on a loan deal.
Kittel, 31, has swapped winter at Polish club Rakow Czestochowa for summer in Sydney’s west and is aiming to help push the Wanderers back into the conversation for the premiership.
"Everywhere I’ve been I’ve tried to do my best but in Poland I wasn’t getting the minutes I wanted," Kittel said.
"I’m at a good age, a good part of my career and I want to try and show this, over the last six months I’ve not been able to.
"Before I was playing 90 minutes in Germany with Hamburg and I was in good shape.
"I want to share my experience with the young players and try and help this club achieve its goals."
Kittel may be on limited minutes against the Jets but regardless, midfielder Josh Brillante is adamant Western Sydney must capitalise on the boost handed to them as the finish line for the regular season nears.
"We’ve got a full squad pretty much available and it’s important now that we’re strong," Brillante said.
"Hopefully we can change that inconsistency into consistent performances because you can see how tight the table is.
"Every week teams are moving up and down because it's so close so if we can get a string of good wins, I think that'll put us in a really good spot."
