Western United will play three home games in quick succession before the end of the season with big permutations in the race for finals football.
United is currently sitting in sixth on the table, with a chance to climb further with a win against Adelaide United on Friday night.
Three games within the space of just over two weeks could decide the team’s fate for the post-season, and these dates should be pencilled in on the calendars.
Sydney FC, Saturday May 15
The first of the three-game stretch will be arguably the biggest as United come up against two-time reigning champions Sydney FC.
As it stands, the Sky Blues have jumped back into second on the ladder after a six-game unbeaten run.
But if United continue its own strong run of form, Mark Rudan’s men could enter this clash with a chance to either pull away from or leapfrog Sydney with a win.
This game is not to be missed as two of the top teams come together.
Melbourne Victory, Friday May 28
Western United is yet to lose to Melbourne Victory in five games since the club’s inception, and if those clashes are anything to go by this one should be another cracker.
United has scored multiple goals every time they have played the Victory, apart from one 0-0 draw earlier this season that was not without its drama and excitement.
Speaking of which, the last meeting between the two was a pulsating 4-3 win to United, courtesy of Vïctor Sánchez’s last-minute winner.
The Victory will be out to end their season on a high but United will look to seize the opportunity to continue its good record in the Battle of the Bridge as the finals approach.
A local derby is always a big spectacle, but with the season drawing to a close this one has an extra layer of importance.
Macarthur FC, Monday May 31
In the second last game of the season, Western United will host Macarthur FC in what could be a do-or-die finals clash.
The two clubs are currently separated by a single point, with United possessing two games in hand on the Bulls.
Both sides have traded wins in two meetings this season, with United picking up a 4-1 victory in Ballarat headlined by a brace from Besart Berisha.
This will be the last home game of the regular season and could be pivotal in deciding United’s final position on the table.
