Western United will be looking to advance to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup for the first time when it takes on Sydney United 58 on Sunday afternoon.
Match Details
Sydney United 58 vs Western United
Sunday, 14 August
Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST
Sydney United Sports Centre, Sydney
Last time out
United won through to the round of 16 with a maiden win in the Australia Cup proper, defeating Melbourne Victory 2-1 on just over a week ago.
A first-half own goal from Victory’s George Timotheou was cancelled out by Jake Brimmer’s fabulous long-range strike before Lachie Wales netted the winner for the Green and Black.
After making its debut in the Cup last year, United held on for its first win in the final stages of the competition to move on to the last 16.
The clash against Sydney United was confirmed via the draw after the final whistle, with the NPL New South Wales club having handled Capital Football’s Monaro Panthers 3-0.
Team News
Western United Head Coach is set to bring a similar squad with him to Sydney to the one that he had at AAMI Park for the last round, with the players so far coming through pre-season unscathed.
Rhys Bozinovski made his first senior start and will hoping to be in the frame for another one, while fellow academy products Ben Collins, Noah Holmes and Jordan Lauton will all be eager to once again feature in the matchday squad.
James Troisi is cup tied so will be unable to feature despite making his United debut in a friendly against Bulleen Lions on Tuesday night, while the likes of Alessandro Diamanti, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Sebastian Pasquali are continuing to work their way back to fitness.
What the players are saying
Nicolas Milanovic on returning to his boyhood club at Sydney United
“I’ve spoken to family and friends and even players there, it’s a bit like, I actually can’t believe that’s the game. I’m just looking forward to going back because I know it’ll be a bit of a goosebumps moment, going into the changerooms. I haven’t been there in a long time.”
Nicolas Milanovic on starting against Victory and looking ahead to the next round
“I’ve worked hard in pre-season and I was happy the boss gave me that opportunity. It was good to get on the ball and get around with the boys, and obviously the win is the most important thing, so we’ll try that carry that now into the game (against Sydney United).”
