Western United ALW Team News: Round 21 vs Western Sydney

Western United will welcome Kahli Johnson back for the penultimate round of the 2023/24 Liberty A-League Women season.

The 20-year-old has missed the last three matches while at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup with the Young Matildas, helping the team to achieve a third-placed finish at the tournament.

Johnson has only played 10 matches for United this season and with a clean bill of health and no further commitments on the horizon, her involvement in the side will be crucial for Kat Smith heading into the finals.

With a spot in the top six now all but confirmed, the Green and Black will still be desperate for all three points with the Premier’s Plate still up for grabs, as is confirmation of a home final.

Melissa Taranto will move onto 49 Liberty A-League appearances if she features again with a competitive midfield core despite the absences of Chloe Logarzo and Adriana Taranto.

Avaani Prakash scored her first professional goal in her first professional start last week, while Emma Robers has impressed with increased opportunities of late.

Aimee Medwin will be aiming for a third straight start after another positive display against Newcastle Jets last time out, while goalkeepers Alyssa Dall’Oste and Kathrine Larsen will continue to compete for the starting role.

Full Western United extended squad

Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS, 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 9. Hannah KEANE, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 13. Avaani PRAKASH, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Keiwa HIEDA, 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO, 31. Kathrine LARSEN, 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN

Ins: 10. Kahli JOHNSON (returns from international duty), 14. Natasha DAKIC

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 6. Chloe LOGARZO (injured), 15. Adriana TARANTO (injured) 17. Raquel DERALAS (injured)