On and off the field it’s been a very testing season for Western Sydney Wanderers.

From an unsuccessful transition away from Pirtek Stadium to a shocking first group game in the AFC Asian Champions League, Wanderers faithful have hadn’t quite as much to cheer about than in seasons gone by.

Despite that, every cloud has a silver lining and Western Sydney still have several reasons for optimism in 2017 and beyond:

1. Finals bound

Sitting in the top six, the Wanderers remain a great chance of making the finals this season despite their most recent 2-0 loss to Perth. With six games to play, four of which against opposition below them, the red and black are in the box seat to once again play finals football. Having only missed one finals series since establishment, history is on Western Sydney’s side.

2. Asian Champions League

Sure it was a shocking start to their third ACL campaign, but as the only A-League side to win it, the Wanderers can’t be written off too quickly. Having fielded a relatively untested squad on Tuesday night where some players were getting their first minutes of the season, they can only get better moving forward.

3. Oscar Comes to Campbelltown

Regardless of how the red and black do in the competition, the big names they’ll be playing against is a highlight in itself. Whether it be Hulk smashing home a goal or Oscar gracing Campbelltown with his presence, the ACL will shine an even brighter light on football in Western Sydney.

4. Young Guns

A shortage of strikers has seen the emergence of two young forwards with a very bright future ahead of them.

Thrown in the deep end following Kerem Bulut’s departure, 19-year-old Lachlan Scott stood up when it counted. With an A-League goal to his name and Tony Popovic mindful of his development, Scott is set to star in years to come.

From Kenya to the ACL, the story of Abraham Majok is a remarkable one. Debuting for the Wanderers a week ago in the ACL, Majok has risen remarkably quickly through the ranks and with all the attributes of a successful centre forward, has the potential to become a top player.

While the goals may not be flowing quite so fast this season, they surely will be in years to come thanks to this pair.

5. Aspro the Great

From two players full of potential to one already exceeding all expectations, defender Jonathan Aspropotamitis has been spectacular at the back for the Wanderers and plays well beyond his years. If Western Sydney can hold on to him, this man will undoubtedly play a big part in clean sheets to come.

6. Santa still delivering

Despite his 34 years, Brendon Santalab just keeps getting better in the red and black. Delivering arguably his best present to date when his swivelling strike earned the Wanderers a drought breaking Sydney Derby win, Santa looks to be another striker Western Sydney can rely on to deliver goals for a while longer.

7. Parramatta homecoming

Temporarily split between three stadiums as Pirtek is rebuilt, the red and black have struggled at home this season. While an unfortunate predicament for a season or two to come, the new stadium that awaits them back in Parramatta looks to be a very enticing light at the end of a turbulent tunnel.