Can Wanderers overcome their Spotless Stadium struggles?

Sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers will be desperate to extend the gap over the chasing pack when they play host to Wellington Phoenix in a crucial encounter at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.

Josep Gombau’s side currently occupy the last remaining finals spot but sit just two points ahead of seventh-placed Roar, with Perth Glory a further two points behind.

And while the Red and Black should be confident of knocking off the league’s cellar-dwellers this weekend, the Kiwi outfit is not the only obstacle Wanderers must overcome.

With Parramatta Stadium being rebuilt over the next couple of years, Wanderers have been forced to shift their home matches to ANZ Stadium and Spotless Stadium in the interim.

And it’s at Spotless Stadium where Western Sydney have really struggled to make the most of their home ground advantage.

Over the past two seasons, Wanderers have played 12 matches at the venue and recorded just three victories.

During that span, the Red and Black have picked up an incredible eight draws, losing just once.

Their only loss came against the Mariners in February 2017 and they are since undefeated in seven consecutive games at Spotless Stadium (W3, D4).

Saturday’s opponents Wellington have played just once at the venue, with Wanderers securing a comfortable 3-1 victory in March last year.

Indeed, Wellington are the only visiting team to have not registered a point against the Wanderers at Spotless Stadium.

One player who has enjoyed playing at the stadium more than any other is veteran striker Brendon Santalab.

‘Santa’ has notched an impressive seven goals at the venue, with current teammate Oriol Riera the next closest with just two.

A win for Western Sydney would consolidate sixth spot and extend the gap over closest rivals Brisbane Roar to five points, with just five games remaining.

Can Wanderers overcome their Spotless Stadium struggles?