Wollongong United’s campaign hasn’t started as smoothly as many expected, but the early season title favourites have a chance to change all of that in the next three weeks.
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Currently fifth in the league, United face-off the Illawarra Premier League’s current top three in consecutive matches.
In a potential season-defining stretch, United host Wollongong Olympic this weekend at Macedonia Park before clashing with surprise packets Fernhill and ladder leaders Bulli.
“We are up for it,” United coach Jeff Allport said.
“It’s going to be a big couple of weeks for those three games.
“I think those games against Bulli and Olympic are always important, but none of them are easy as we’ve already seen.
“Olympic obviously have a great squad and we are expecting a tough one this weekend.”
United pushed their claims as the team to beat in the preseason after winning the Fraternity Club Cup final 5-0 over title rivals Bulli.
Since then they’ve endured a mixed start to the first four rounds, with two wins, a draw and a loss.
“I think expectations were really high, but everyone is going to have ups and downs over the season,” Allport said.
“We’ve found some good form last week against Woonona so we will look to continue that now.”
Meanwhile, Bulli take on Fernhill in a top-three stoush. Cringila host Woonona, Albion Park White Eagles play Picton while Port Kembla face Tarrawanna and South Coast United meet Corrimal on Sunday.
