Western United will head into a blockbuster clash against Melbourne Victory with the rivals set to go head for head in pursuit of finals football.
Match Details
Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 20
Melbourne Victory vs Western United
Monday, 13 March
Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
Team News
John Aloisi will be without James Troisi for this clash after the midfielder succumbed to a hamstring injury in last week’s win against Perth Glory.
Aleksandar Prijovic and Steven Lustica will be pushing for more minutes, while Jamie Young will make his 50th Isuzu UTE A-League Men appearance for Western United, becoming the fastest player to achieve that milestone at the Club.
Western United squad: 1. Jamie YOUNG (gk), 4. Leo LACROIX, 5. Dylan PIERIAS, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Tongo DOUMBIA, 8. Lachie WALES, 9. Michael RUHS, 10. Steven LUSTICA, 11. Connor PAIN, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Josh RISDON, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 23. Alessandro DIAMANTI (c), 27. Jacob TRATT, 31. Adisu BAYEW, 37. Ryan SCOTT (gk) 38. Noah BOTIC, 44. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 88. Neil KILKENNY, 99. Aleksandar PRIJOVIC
Last time out
Western United achieved back-to-back wins last week, coming from behind to defeat Perth Glory 2-1 at Mars Stadium.
READ MORE: ALM Match Report: Western United 2-1 Perth Glory
Tongo Doumbia and Noah Botic overturned Jordan Elsey’s early opener to secure another important three points, setting United up for the chance to win three consecutive matches for the first time this season.
Previous Meetings
United has largely had the better of Melbourne Victory in previous meetings with seven wins to Victory’s four, with two draws between the sides in the 13 matches to date.
The Green and Black have won the last three matches in all competitions, going back to the stunning semi-final second leg last season and most recently, a 1-0 triumph last Boxing Day.
Key Matchup: Aleksandar Prijovic vs Damien Da Silva
Prijovic will have eyes on a return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench last week and if he does make the XI, a potential battle with Victory’s Damien Da Silva could be one to watch.
The French defender has started well in the Isuzu UTE A-League, impressing over his four games so far and scoring an important goal in Victory’s Melbourne Derby win last month.
Prijovic has scored three goals in six matches against Victory and will hold strong memories from his pivotal brace in that semi-final comeback.
With four goals to his name this season, United’s No.99 will be eager to add to his tally and get the better of Da Silva as he aims to help lead his side to a win.
Player to Watch: Tongo Doumbia
Doumbia has been on fire for Western United of late, scoring twice in his last two games to aid the Green and Black in securing two vital wins.
The Mali international has been in season-best form aside from his goalscoring exploits, too, becoming an imposing figure in United’s midfield with his size, athleticism and composure on the ball.
Coming up against a Victory side that remains without Jake Brimmer, Doumbia will be out to dominate the midfield for United to give the team the best chance of claiming another three points.
