Western United Squad: Round 2 vs Western Sydney Wanderers

Western United Head Coach John Aloisi has the luxury of naming an unchanged 20-man extended squad for his side’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 2 clash against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Following the brilliant 2-1 triumph over Melbourne City in Round 1, Aloisi will be hoping the players can have a similarly effective performance and pick up another important three points.

Defender James Donachie is named in the extended squad and will be given every chance to make himself available for the trip across the border.

The new signing was ruled out of a league debut last week with a minor calf injury and is continuing to return to fitness, with an eye on making the matchday squad for the first time as a Western United player.

Young midfielder Rhys Bozinovski is also in the 20-man list and will be eager to put himself in the frame for selection in Round 2.

Daniel Penha was outstanding on his debut last week, setting up Lachie Wales’ opening goal in his first competitive start since anterior cruciate ligament surgery over a year ago.

The Brazilian maestro will hope to keep building his fitness and form with another opportunity here, while Noah Botic will still be on a high after scoring the winning penalty against City on Saturday.

Striker Nikita Rukavytsya is nearing a return to the pitch as he continues to build his match readiness having arrived at the Club towards the back end of pre-season.

Aloisi expressed his delight with the forward’s progress as he gets up to speed, hinting that he could be ready to feature in Round 3 against Macarthur FC.

Full Western United extended squad

Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 4. James DONACHIE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 8. Lachie WALES, 9. Michael RUHS, 10. Steven LUSTICA, 11. Daniel PENHA, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Josh RISDON, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 24. Connor O’TOOLE, 27. Jacob TRATT, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matt SUTTON, 38. Noah BOTIC, 39. Matthew GRIMALDI, 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 77. Riku DANZAKI

Ins: 4. James DONACHIE, 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Nil