Football
Adrian Warren 5y

Wanderers pledge to attack on return home

Western Sydney Wanderers are planning to unleash an exciting attacking style of play as the A-League nomads return to their spiritual home to host English Championship side Leeds United.

The Wanderers go back to the site of their original base on Saturday for the first soccer match at Bankwest Stadium after three years of playing their home games at other venues.

In German coach Markus Babbel's second season in charge Wanderers fans will see a significantly different side from the one that finished eighth last season following a major roster overhaul.

"He (Babbel) is going to have a very attacking style of play, I think it's going to be very exciting to watch," said Socceroos attacker Mitchell Duke.

"We've had a few pre-season games already and some of the combination play is starting to come through."

Duke said the squad was relieved to finally play at the state of the art stadium in Parramatta.

"It's been a hard few years for the club, for the players and the fans," he said.

"It was kind of like playing an away game every single game, so to have a permanent home now again is going to be a massive boost for the club and the players for sure.

"I've had so many messages from fans who say they can't wait to be back here and create the atmosphere they used to have.

"I know we haven't had that much success as a club the last few years, so a result against Leeds would be a massive step forward for us."

Leeds are playing their second and final match in Australia after a 4-0 loss to Manchester United at Perth's Optus Stadium on Wednesday.

Saturday's game will also feature a designated safe standing area, something missing from the all-seater stadiums in the top tiers of English football.

"It's a great addition to have in any stadium and hopefully we can get that back at home some point in the near future," said Leeds captain Liam Cooper.

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