Wanderers defender Michael Thwaite says the team have prepared well for the artificial surface and that they’re taking tonight’s Quarter Final clash against Blacktown City very seriously.
Ahead of tonight’s Western Sydney derby in the Westfield FFA Cup Quarter Final, the squad trained at Lily Homes Stadium on Monday morning to get accustomed to the pitch and the surroundings.
Lily’s has an artificial playing surface which is something that Michael Thwaite has had previous experience playing on when he was abroad with SK Brann.
“I’ve played on a surface like that over in Norway, a whole season on it and it’s tough but artificial grass is getting better and better,” said Thwaite.
“I think by playing on an artificial pitch compared to normal grass is going to be different but I think we’ve prepared well.”
Thwaite went further into detail on how the pitch would play a role in the match against Blacktown City.
“The bounce, the way the ball runs on the pitch is a bit different than the normal game.
“Again, we’re not making excuses about it and they’ve (Blacktown City) have had good results against A-League teams so they’re ready to rumble.”
The Wanderers have already played against Blacktown City in one of their pre-season friendlies and unknowlingly then, this has helped them prepare for tonight’s Quarter Final.
“We played against them in one of our pre-season games when they were full on in the season so we’ve done our analysis and homework on our opposition and we’re ready.
“We want to win everything.
“The Westfield FFA Cup is a great way to shorten that pre-season and good chance for small teams to knock off the big ones.
“We are taking it very seriously,” he said.
Blacktown City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Wednesday 20 September, 7:30pm
Lilys Football Stadium
TV: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio: Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM
Online: Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tags #BLCvWSW #FFACup
