Wembley Downs vs Rockingham City - Western Australia State League 1

The history between Wembley Downs and Rockingham City lends this Western Australia State League 1 fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 12, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

A glance at the Western Australia State League 1 table tells the story: Wembley Downs in 2nd and Rockingham City in 4th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Wembley Downs will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Carrick spoke to the media before his captain was seen limping, but did explain why he didn't take him off despite the commanding position his team were in.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Wembley Downs will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Rockingham City will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Ramos did eventually score the breakthrough goal midway through the second half but that was one of eight attempts at goal by the Portuguese forward - and there were no fewer than four big chances missed.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. On balance, Wembley Downs look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 2-1 home win would not come as a surprise. With positions in the Western Australia State League 1 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.