Western United returns to Tasmania for the first of two Isuzu UTE A-League Men home matches, taking on Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday evening at North Hobart Oval.
Match Details
Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 14
Western United vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, 27 January
Kick-off: 5:00pm AEDT
North Hobart Oval, Hobart
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
Western United Team News
John Aloisi has promoted a host of young talent in his extended squad with four Western United Academy talents coming into contention.
Zach Lisolajski, James York and Oliver Lavale – all 19 years of age – are named in the 20-man squad, as is 21-year-old Jordan Lauton.
Matthew Grimaldi and Jake Najdovski remain in the squad, one which features 14 players aged 23 or younger.
Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 8. Lachie WALES, 9. Michael RUHS, 10. Steven LUSTICA, 11. Daniel PENHA, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Josh RISDON, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 24. Connor O’TOOLE, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matt SUTTON (gk), 34. James YORK, 36. Zach LISOLAJSKI, 38. Noah BOTIC, 39. Matthew GRIMALDI, 41. Oliver LAVALE, 44. Jordan LAUTON, 49. Jake NAJDOVSKI
Last time out
It has been an extended break for Western United after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Macarthur FC two weeks ago.
Ben Garuccio gave the Green and Black the lead on that occasion before Macarthur hit back, only for Daniel Penha to steal the show and appear to win it for United with a late brace.
WATCH: Highlights from Western United’s 3-3 thriller against Macarthur FC last time out
But Ulises Davila completed a hat-trick for the Bulls in the 90th minute to leave United with just a point, the side’s first draw of the 2023/24 season.
Previous Meetings
Western United has enjoyed a winning record against Western Sydney Wanderers to date with five victories, one draw and four defeats in the 10 previous meetings.
There have been a number of highlights for both sides among those meetings, namely for United a 5-3 in season one and a 3-2 victory in season two in which Ben Garuccio scored his jaw-dropping scorpion kick.
Western Sydney took the plaudits last time out with a big win and United will be fired up to ensure there is no repeat of that this time out.
Key Matchup: Daniel Penha vs Marcelo
The fans in Hobart will be treated to a massive matchup between two Brazilian stars, and the winner of that battle on the pitch could potentially decide the outcome for their team.
Daniel Penha is only growing week by week in a Western United shirt and had his most influential performance last time out, scoring two goals against Macarthur FC.
The No.11 mesmerises with every touch and wows with every skill, and he will be eager to give the Hobart faithful a treat with another electric performance in this one.
Coming up against his compatriot and one of the best defenders in the competition in Marcelo will be no easy task, though.
The Wanderers captain has played in every match this season, missing only 70 minutes in total and leading the defence.
If Penha can be at his creative best to avoid Marcelo’s best defensive efforts, the Green and Black will hope to be able to put the ball in the back of the net and go on to secure a big win.
Western United Player to Watch: Angus Thurgate
Just like Penha, Angus Thurgate is growing into a starring role for Western United and has begun to assert himself more and more on matches from midfield.
Over the last four games, Thurgate has one goal and one assist and also had a shot that cannoned off the crossbar and was rebounded in by Penha against Macarthur.
The 23-year-old is a vital cog for Western United in possession and is now showing his ability to get forward and make things happen for the Green and Black in the final third.
Thurgate continues to get more comfortable in United’s system as each game goes by and if he can continue to get the team on the front foot, he should have a big part to play against the Wanderers.
Words from John Aloisi
On his and the team’s excitement to return to Hobart
“We really enjoyed last time we were here, we had a good result against Sydney FC. It was a cracker of a goal right at the end and we deserved the win.
“We’re hoping to continue with a good performance and a win here because we love coming to Tasmania.”
On what he expects to come up against from the Wanderers
“A good Western Sydney Wanderers, because I know that Rudan would have told the players that he wasn’t happy with the performance last week, so I expect a reaction from them.
“They’ve got some quality players, experienced players. They’re a good side and we have to be aware of their strengths.”
