Western United A-League Men Squad: Round 22 vs Sydney FC

John Aloisi has named his 20-man extended squad for Western United’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men crunch match against Sydney FC.

The United boss will welcome Dylan Pierias back into the squad after he missed the defeat to Brisbane Roar last time out with a bout of illness.

United’s No.5 has played 17 times for United this season and will be eager to return to the side as it continues to chase a spot in the top six.

Noah Botic is also in the extended squad having arrived back from Olyroos camp in Italy. Botic featured in two matches over the international break, scoring against Como 1907 this week.

The young striker has been a breakout star in United’s team and will hope to prove his fitness to play a part in the clash against Sydney, the side he made his Isuzu UTE A-League debut against just over a year ago.

Aloisi could also hand a debut to attacking midfielder Ramy Najjarine who has been included in the extended squad for the first time since joining the Club.

The 22-year-old arrived at United on transfer deadline day at the beginning of February and has yet to feature having carried a groin injury from his time at Western Sydney Wanderers.

Josh Risdon will miss the match due to suspension after picking up his eighth yellow card of the campaign, while James Troisi remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from injury.

Midfielder Rhys Bozinovski has also picked up an injury after returning from the AFC U20 Asian Cup with the Young Socceroos and has been ruled out of the fixture.

Full Western United squad

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, 20. Ramy NAJJARINE, 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

Ins: 5. Dylan PIERIAS (returns from illness), 20. Ramy NAJJARINE (returns from injury), 88. Neil KILKENNY (returns from injury)

Outs: 19. Josh RISDON (suspended)

Unavailable: 14. James TROISI (injured), 24. Connor O’TOOLE (injured) 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI (injured)