We’re set for another mid-week battle away from home as we head to the Central Coast on Wednesday night. We take a look at the key battle between Lachlan Wales and Andrew Hoole.
In his second trip back to Gosford since making the move from the Mariners, Lachie Wales has made the spot in the side his own, cementing a place in City’s forward third.
Wales has started in 11 games this season, only coming off the bench once during his 12 matches. His Mariners opponent has had an up and down season with the constant tinkering of the squad, coming off the bench four times this season, only playing a full 90 minutes once in 2018/19.
Despite the differential in playing time. Wales’ eye for goal has room for improvement, with the numbers between the players looking very similar. Both players boast 10 key passes each, Wales edges Hoole by two for shots on target and the City winger has one more goal compared to his Mariners counterpart, with Wales scoring twice this season.
The key stat that does separate the two however is assists with Wales providing City with two so far this season while Hoole is yet to hit the board.
Hoole will be full of confidence though this week after notching his first goal of the season against Wellington. His 21st minute strike doubled his side’s lead at Westpac Stadium but it wasn’t enough to get the result.
After a quiet homecoming for Wales in Round 2, ten matches of A-League experience has battle-hardened the talented youngster as he looks to make an impact against his previous side.
As for Hoole and the Mariners, the grind continues for them to stay out of the history books to avoid the league’s worst start to the season.
In what should be a gripping contest, both players will have a point to prove which will make this battle and intriguing contest.
City face Central Coast at Central Coast Stadium on Wednesday night before returning home to AAMI Park on Saturday for a mouth-watering clash with Perth Glory.
