Football
AAP 7y

Western Sydney Wanderers focused on Bruno Fornaroli in Tim Cahill absence

Tim Cahill or no Tim Cahill, the Western Sydney Wanderers' approach to Friday's A-League clash doesn't change -- keep Melbourne City's vaunted attack at bay.

But playmaker Mitch Nichols admits there were a few relieved defenders when news dropped that the veteran striker would be away with the Socceroos for the Spotless Stadium clash.

Last weekend's easy work of the Wellington Phoenix has the Wanderers in the finals box seat, five points above the seventh-placed New Zealand side with four rounds remaining.

Yet City have just as much to play for in attempting to cling to third with a three-point buffer over the Brisbane Roar.

And if their 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle United is anything to go on, Tony Popovic's revived side can expect an onslaught.

The point of City's attack will be Bruno Fornaroli, whose brace against the Jets took him to 17 season goals.

"We've got to be aware of what Fornaroli and their front three can do," Nichols said.

"Timmy's not playing but we've got to be good at the back. We all know what Timmy's about.

Cahill, who opened the scoring at AAMI Park, has been tightly managed but the poacher's presence has still proven a galvanising influence over Michael Valkanis' men and a menace for opposing defenders.

"They've got a strong squad with or without him, they've proved that all year but I think our defenders are a little bit happy he's away with the Socceroos," Nicholas added

The Wanderers have met City twice this season for 1-1 and 1-0 loss, the latter a man down for more than 60 minutes following Aritz Borda's red card.

That result came during a bleak run that had last season's grand finalists teetering on the edge of a failed campaign.

Last week's back-to-back triumphs against FC Seoul in Korea and the Phoenix at home have flipped their fortunes at the ideal time.

Nichols said the key now was to keep calm and capitalise.

"We're obviously not happy being in sixth," he said.

"That wasn't a goal at the start of the year but it's in our hands.

"Friday night is a big step. If we get the three points to cement our place there we know we can beat anyone."

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