Western United ALM Team News: Round 11 vs Melbourne City

John Aloisi’s 20-man extended squad includes two big recalls for Western United’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 11 clash against crosstown rivals Melbourne City.

Captain Josh Risdon will make his return to the side after he missed last week’s game against Newcastle Jets due to suspension, with the right-back set to lead the team out once again.

The other notable inclusion is Ramy Najjarine who is in line for selection after recovering from a foot injury.

The No.7 has not featured in United’s last two fixtures and will be fighting for a spot in the matchday squad on Sunday against the side with which he was introduced to the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Oliver Lavale has been included in the extended squad for the second straight week and will hope to earn a place on an Isuzu UTE A-League teamsheet for the first time.

Unfortunately, Aloisi will be without Japanese winger Riku Danzaki for this and a number of following weeks after he suffered a shoulder injury in last week’s defeat to Newcastle.

Scans have confirmed a dislocated shoulder for the No.77, who will now face a spell on the sidelines as he hopes to recover and return to action as soon as possible.

Former Melbourne City players Ben Garuccio, Lachie Wales and Matt Sutton are all included in the extended squad and will be hoping to get one over their old side on Sunday.

Wales scored the opener in the 2-1 win against City in Round 1 of this season and will be out to repeat that feat to help his side to another three points.

Kane Vidmar made a return to the starting line-up last week and will be eager to hold onto his place as he prepares to take on his uncle, Aurelio, who is the head coach of Melbourne City.

That family affair follows the thrilling Aloisi Derby last time Western United played at AAMI Park, and this fixture is bound to bring more fireworks to bring in the new year.

Full Western United extended squad

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, 27. Jacob TRATT, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matt SUTTON (gk), 35. Max BISETTO, 38. Noah BOTIC, 39. Matthew GRIMALDI, 41. Oliver LAVALE, 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 49. Jake NAJDOVSKI

Ins: 7. Ramy NAJJARINE (returns from injury), 19. Josh RISDON (returns from suspension), 41. Oliver LAVALE

Outs: 77. Riku DANZAKI (injured)

Unavailable: 4. James DONACHIE (injured), 13. Nikita RUKAVYTSYA (injured), 21. Sebastian PASQUALI (injured)