Western United boss John Aloisi will have an added boost in his squad this weekend with Angus Thurgate set to return for Sunday’s clash against Adelaide United.
The 25-year-old was suspended for last week’s meeting with Auckland FC and will slot right back into midfield where he has dominated all season.
That game was the first time that Thurgate had not started a match since joining the Club, let alone missed altogether, and his return will no doubt be a welcome one for everyone at Ironbark Fields.
The remainder of the Western United squad remains focused on getting back to winning ways with everyone involved in training.
Khoder Kaddour is no longer on the unavailable list having made his return in the VPL 1 Men last weekend, while James Donachie remains sidelined but is moving ever closer towards a return.
Hiroshi Ibusuki scored two goals in this fixture last season for Adelaide and the Japanese striker will be eager to repeat that feat in the Green and Black.
It was a historic night for Kane Vidmar when he scored his first senior goal against his hometown club earlier this season, while fellow South Australian Ben Garuccio will be equally as excited to face his old squad.
Off the pitch, it’s a special night for Aloisi – another Adelaidean in Western’s ranks – as he prepares to lead his side for the 100th time in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men.
Full Western United Isuzu UTE A-League Men Extended Squad
Western United squad: 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 9. Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10. Matthew GRIMALDI, 13. Tate RUSSELL, 17. Ben GARUCCIO (c), 19. Noah BOTIC, 20. Abel WALATEE, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 23. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 24. Michael RUHS, 29. Charbel SHAMOON, 30. Dylan LEONARD, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matt SUTTON (gk), 37. Luke VICKERY, 44. Jordan LAUTON, 70. Michael VONJA (gk), 77. Riku DANZAKI
Ins: 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 32. Angus THURGATE (returns from suspension)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 4. James DONACHIE (injured)
