The A-League new boys will take the pitch for the first time in a pre-season clash against Nepean FC at St Marys on Wednesday night with still just nine players officially signed.

Gates will be open at Cook Park and fans will be treated to not only an historic event, but also a crucial occasion in the formation of the inaugural squad.

Wanderers general manager of football operations John Tsatimas confirmed that with another fortnight until the next trial, Wednesday would likely serve as decision time on some of the players who have pushed their claims throughout the three weeks since training commenced.

“It is an opportunity for us to view players in a game situation and see how they perform in that environment,” Tsatimas told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“Then it's a matter for the coaching staff to assess their performance on a different platform and make judgments from there.”

Popovic has stressed that he will err on the side of patience when it comes to recruitment but with the start of the A-League season just 10 weeks away, there is little time to build the core of the team.

The fact that Wanderers trialist Dylan Macallister was snapped up by Melbourne Heart on Monday furthered emphasised the fact that the clock is ticking.

Tsatimas wouldn't reveal who would be on Wednesday's team sheet other than to say the nine existing players were all fit and “champing at the bit” to get off the training ground and into a match.

Former A-League players including Jerrad Tyson, Panny Nikas, Tahj Minniecon and Marc Warren, along with NSW Premier League talents such as one-time Lucas Neill scholarship winner Joey Gibbs and new faces from overseas have featured in Popovic's sessions to date.

Tsatimas said the football department had decided early on a desired playing style that would guide recruitment and training methodology, meaning that on Wednesday the players will be tested in the actual roles they would be expected to fill should they join the club.

“Tony understands what he needs to do and he has a manner of assessing what he wants,” he said. “The team on Wednesday will reflect the style we're working towards so we'll be able to judge players within that.”

Nepean FC have been heavily promoting the match and a large crowd is expected to get a first look at the Wanderers in what will also be Popovic's first match as a head coach.