Popovic hopes for ACL anniversary win

Sunday marks the end of Western Sydney' most tumultuous year, and if coach Tony Popovic had the choice he would relive it all again.

The Wanderers' home clash with Perth falls on the one-year anniversary of their Asian Champions League win, a feat unmatched by any other A-League side.

"It's hard to believe that was already a year ago," Popovic said on Friday.

"But that's a special moment in the club's history, and that can never get taken away from us."

Since that historic accomplishment at their first attempt, secured with a goal-less draw against Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, it has not been the easiest of rides back at home.

Four wins from 27 A-League matches was the story of last season, a campaign cruelled by a massive workload as the Wanderers battled on four fronts in the FFA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in addition to the A-League and ACL.

"It's been a year of learning and it's been challenging, but also exciting," Popovic said.

"If I could repeat that 12 months again I'd love to do it. That tough 12 months has made us better as a club. We'll grow from that."

Had it not been so onerous, some of the coach's decisions may have been different, including the radical off-season cleanout and arrival of 10 new players.

Three games down and still not a single win, the mantra has been that the new charges are still gelling, as they produce a level of football that belies their last-placed standing but struggle to convert chances.

However Popovic isn't comfortable using finishing as an excuse.

"That would be an easy escape for us in terms of the other parts of our game," he said.

"Defensively we can still be better ... everything can be better. You can always improve. Our final-third play is good, we just need to finish it off."

They'll have a chance against Perth, but will have to counteract a confident side after the Glory's defeat of the Wanderers on penalties in the FFA quarter-final and last weekend's first A-League victory over Adelaide.

One of the few recognisable Wanderers faces, Brendon Santalab, is desperate to get back on field and help re-transform Pirtek Stadium into the fortress it once was.

The striker has been watching from the sidelines as he recovered from a pre-season quad injury, but is fit for selection.

"Our fans are the best in the A-League and we want to win for them, especially this Sunday," Santalab said.

"We're disappointed with last week's loss in the derby and we want to make up for that this week."