Western United ALM Preview: Round 1 vs Wellington Phoenix
Western United will begin the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season with an away trip to face Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. Read our Match Preview presented by Red Bull Australia.
2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 1
Wellington Phoenix vs Western United
Sunday, 20 October
Kick-off: 2:00pm AEDT (4:00pm local time)
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+ in Australia and on Sky TV in New Zealand
Western United Team NewsJohn Aloisi’s first extended squad of the season includes new signings Hiroshi Ibusuki and Tate Russell who will be looking to make their Isuzu UTE A-League debuts in Green and Black.
Young defender Dylan Leonard features in the 20-man squad for the first time and could become United’s youngest-ever men’s player if he features. He is one of nine Western United Academy graduates in contention.
Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 4. James DONACHIE, 5. Oliver LAVALE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 9. Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10. Matthew GRIMALDI, 13. Tate RUSSELL, 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Noah BOTIC, 20. Abel WALATEE, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 23. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 29. Charbel SHAMOON, 30. Dylan LEONARD, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matthew SUTTON (gk), 34. James YORK, 37. Luke VICKERY, 77. Riku DANZAKI
Full Western United team news
Previous MeetingsWestern United has enjoyed three of its most famous wins against Wellington in the past, two of which have been at Sky Stadium.
The Club’s first-ever game in the Isuzu UTE A-League came across the ditch when Besart Berisha’s historic goal earned a 1-0 win.
There was a bit of a wait for the next win over the Nix but that one came in a crucial Elimination Final on the way to United’s Championship success in 2022, while a thrilling 3-2 comeback win later that year also stands out.
After a season full of disruptions last time out, James Donachie has come through the entire pre-season period with a clean bill of health and is ready to show his star quality for Western United at the back.
The 183-game, three-time Championship-winning centre-back has shone in United’s pre-season action and will be a pivotal leader in defence.
James Donachie is ready to command the Western United defence this seasonDonachie will have his hands full in this one with Kosta Barbarouses who, at 34 years of age, is coming off arguably the best season of his career last time out.
A 13-goal tally and the Wellington player of the season medal were the products of Barbarouses’ work last season, but despite that success he has never scored against Western United.
Donachie will be eager to make sure that record remains intact and if he can do so, he could give the Green and Black a big chance at victory.
Western United Player to Watch: Hiroshi IbusukiIbusuki has arrived at Western United with serious pedigree after three superb seasons at Adelaide United and he is now ready to shine in his new colours.
The Japanese striker has loved playing against the Phoenix in the past with four goals in six previous outings.
Aloisi will be eager to see that run continue from his new talisman who has continued to build in pre-season, scoring against Melbourne City and growing his understanding with his new teammates.
With his height, technical ability and deadly finishing in and around the box, United’s new No.9 will be eager to get off to a perfect start on his league debut for the Club.
Words from John AloisiOn expectations heading into the new season
“Expectations always have to be that we want to be in Finals. We believe at our best we can beat everyone, we really believe that.
“We have a good side – we have good young players coming through and the experienced ones know, they’ve been there and done that.
“Pre-season to we’re ready to go and ready to compete with everyone.”
Words from the playing squad – Matthew GrimaldiOn taking the next step after his breakout 2023/24 season
“I’m feeling more confident than ever. I was really lucky to be given the opportunity by the Club, to be backed to come off the bench and express myself, and then towards the ends I was earning some starts which was really amazing. So I’m going into the season more confident than ever.”
Watch Matthew Grimaldi’s pre-match press conference in full
