It’s all about the Isuzu UTE A-League, with Wednesday’s fixtures all from the men’s competition.
A-League Men leaders Western United kick-off the midweek proceedings against Sydney FC before a pair of simultaneous matches later in the night – Perth Glory welcome Macarthur FC to Tasmania, while Newcastle Jets tackle Western Sydney Wanderers.
Read on for individual match previews of the three A-Leagues fixtures:
- Western United v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League, AAMI Park. Kick-off: 5.25pm AEDT - Perth Glory v Macarthur FC
Isuzu UTE A-League, UTAS Stadium. Kick-off: 7.55pm AEDT - Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Isuzu UTE A-League, McDonald Jones Stadium. Kick-off: 7.55pm AEDT
ALM homecoming a big boost for Perth Glory
George Clarke, AAP
Perth Glory head coach Richard Garcia hopes the lure of returning home can help start a revival for his side.
Perth haven’t played at home since the season opener against Adelaide United in November, but are expected to head back west when the border to Western Australia reopens on March 3.
Glory have set up base in Launceston and Garcia’s side got off to the perfect start in Tasmania with a comfortable 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar for just their third victory of the season on Sunday.
Perth host Macarthur on Wednesday before playing Western United on Sunday and Garcia wants the side to use the final two games in Tasmania as a springboard for their season.
“The border reopening has been a big boost for the group and everyone can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Garcia, whose side have seven points from their past four games.
“Before we knew the border was re-opening we had the mindset that we were going to come here and have it as a home away from home and make sure we treat the game as if we were at HBF Park.
“We would expect to win games there and we’d try to be on the front foot.
“We’ve tried to approach both the games and training in that manner and that’s something we want to (continue to) do before we head home.”
Garcia said marquee signing Daniel Sturridge would be available for selection after making his return from COVID-19 in the win over Brisbane.
The Englishman got through 20 minutes from the bench, but Garcia was mindful of rushing the ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker back.
“He’s capable of 30 to 45 minutes or anywhere in that region,” Garcia said. “It’s a matter of him building him back up to (be in a position) to start.
“We don’t want to bring him on just for the sake of it. We want to make sure the guys in there are balanced.
“It’s not about Daniel coming on, it’s about the balance of the game and what we do as a squad.”
Perth Glory v Macarthur FC
Isuzu UTE A-League
Wednesday, February 23 2022
UTAS STADIUM
Kick-off: 7.55pm AEDT
MATCH CENTRE | HOW TO WATCH
Western finding belief under Aloisi in ALM
Anna Harrington, AAP
After steering Western United out of the doldrums and to the top two in the A-League Men table, John Aloisi says there is a new sense of belief building at the fledgling club.
Aloisi took over after Western finished 10th last season and has led the club to seven wins and two draws in 12 league games.
“The boys are starting to believe,” Alosi said ahead of their showdown with Sydney FC at AAMI Park, where Western can return to the summit after defending champions Melbourne City outlasted Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday.
“We’re always improving. We’re looking to improve, we’re competing each game with whoever is put in front of us and we’re building.
“We’re not talking about where we are on the table or where we want to be. Everyone knows that every club wants to be there at the end of the season competing for silverware. We’re no different.
“But we’re just focused on improving each game, each training session.
“But you can see the lift in the players, you see the confidence growing in the playing group and that’s important – and that comes with results.”
Western host Sydney, just 11 days after their 1-1 away draw.
“We know what Sydney FC are like,” Aloisi said.
They’ve been playing that way for a number of years, they’re a good side, they’ve got quality players and it’s not going to be an easy game.”
“But we’re looking forward to it because it’s another challenge.”
Western received a timely boost ahead of the match, with Lachlan Wales signing a two-year contract extension.
The winger said having Aloisi in charge made re-signing an “easy” decision.
“He’s been massively important to me. He’s really believed in me, starting me every match,” Wales said.
To have someone believe in you and give you confidence to express yourself every weekend is really important.
“Coming in, (with) what he’s achieved in the game, he’s definitely someone I can learn off and play my best football with.
“He’s really instilling a good culture, and the main thing is that belief is starting to come now.”
Western United v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League
Wednesday, February 23 2022
AAMI PARK
Kick-off: 5.25pm AEDT
MATCH CENTRE | HOW TO WATCH
Rudan puts Wanderers players on notice
Ed Jackson, AAP
Western Sydney Wanderers players have been put on notice by head coach Mark Rudan to prove their worth as the A-League Men’s club faces another off-season overhaul.
The Wanderers, struggling to avoid a fifth-straight season without finals football, have 18 players who are either off-contract at season’s end or whose loan deals expire.
Former Socceroos Dimitri Petratos and James Troisi are among that group and both were substituted by Rudan after a lacklustre first-half display in Sunday’s 3-2 loss to high-flying Western United at AAMI Park.
Along with Petratos and Troisi, others whose futures remain uncertain at the Wanderers include ex-England international Jack Rodwell, Ziggy Gordon, Daniel Margush, Keanu Baccus, Bernie Ibini and Ramy Najjarine.
The potential clearout of playing numbers comes after 11 players departed heading into the 2021-22 campaign under former coach Carl Robinson.
Rudan said he couldn’t have made the message any clearer with his half-time changes against Western.
“At this elite level, it’s cut-throat, and I experienced it,” Rudan said.
“You’ve got to obviously be open, explain to them, be honest with them, in terms of where they need to improve and if I do make a decision like that, it’s not that I don’t speak to them.
“They have to be disappointed first of all and then know why I did what I did and I’m pretty open with all of them in that regard.
“A lot of them are playing for their futures. A lot of them are coming out of contract at the season.
“The onus is on them as much as it is on myself.”
Rodwell was also substituted at half-time but his withdrawal was due to a hamstring complaint, which is likely to rule him out of Wednesday’s clash with Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Down 2-0 when Rudan made his triple change, the Wanderers improved in the second half but were undone by Ben Garuccio’s stunning scorpion-kick finish to lose by the odd goal in five.
“We have to start to raise the bar in terms of where we want to be but other than that the second half was good,” the Wanderers coach said.
“We need to bring that energy with such a quick turnaround and (being) away on Wednesday.”
Jets coach Arthur Papas has confirmed skipper Matt Jurman will return from an ankle injury against the Wanderers with Taylor Regan suspended after being sent off in the 3-0 loss to Melbourne City last Friday.
Both teams come into the match with just three wins all season while the Jets have failed to beat the Wanderers in the past four meetings.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Isuzu UTE A-League
Wednesday, February 23 2022
MCDONALD JONES STADIUM
Kick-off: 7.55pm AEDT
MATCH CENTRE | HOW TO WATCH
