John Aloisi has confirmed his extended 20-man squad for Western United’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 3 clash against Macarthur FC.
The Green and Black will go in search of a first win of the new campaign in a battle of the two most recent trophy holders in Australian football as the A-League Men Champions face the winners of the Australia Cup.
Aloisi has been forced into some changes to the extended list, with Tongo Doumbia dropping out due to a high-grade hamstring injury sustained late on in the game against Sydney FC on Sunday.
Aleksandar Prijovic, who did not make the matchday squad of 18 players, has also been omitted from the extended squad as he recovers from a minor toe injury.
The headline inclusion for United is that of Alessandro Diamanti, with the Italian coming into the provisional squad for the first time this season.
United’s captain has not played since a win over Western Sydney Wanderers on February 20 but has completed rehabilitation on a knee injury, with his return to pitch drawing ever closer.
Youngster Jake Najdovski also makes the list for the first time this season having joined the senior squad for the first time after signing a scholarship contract in the off-season.
United’s vice-captain Josh Risdon is set to reach a milestone at the Club, with the right-back in line to make his 50th A-League Men appearance in the Green and Black.
Western United squad
Western United squad: 1. Jamie YOUNG (gk), 4. Leo LACROIX, 5. Dylan PIERIAS, 8. Lachlan WALES, 9. Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 10. Steven LUSTICA, 11. Connor PAIN, 14. James TROISI, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Joshua RISDON, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 23. Alessandro DIAMANTI (c) 26. Nicolas MILANOVIC, 27. Jacob TRATT, 33. Ben COLLINS, 37. Ryan SCOTT (gk), 38. Noah BOTIC, 44. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 49. Jake Najdovski 88. Neil KILKENNY
Ins: 23. Alessandro DIAMANTI (promoted), 33. Ben COLLINS, 49. Jake NAJDOVSKI (promoted)
Outs: 7. Tongo DOUMBIA (injured)
Unavailable: 6. Tomoki IMAI (injured), 31. Adisu BAYEW (injured), 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI (national team), 99. Aleksandar PRIJOVIC (injured)
Match Details
Western United vs Macarthur FC
Friday, 21 October
Kick-off: 7:45pm AEDT
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
Tickets: Fans can come together behind the goals for just $20. Purchase tickets here.
