Ins & Outs: Wanderers v Macarthur

Head coach Alen Stajcic has named his extended squad for the club’s New Year’s Day fixture against Macarthur Bulls at CommBank Stadium.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE MATCH HERE AND AVOID QUEUES AT THE GATES.

The Wanderers return to Wanderland on Thursday night for a fiercely contested local derby against Macarthur FC, with bragging rights and valuable Isuzu UTE A-League points up for grabs.

While last week’s 3-2 loss to Adelaide United was a disappointing result, the performance again showcased the attacking threat within the Red & Black, who created chances and remained aggressive until the final moments. That forward intent will be key as Western Sydney look to produce a more complete showing on home turf.

Macarthur arrive with confidence following a dramatic 5-4 victory over Newcastle Jets, a match that underlined their attacking ambition and willingness to push numbers forward.

With both sides capable of scoring in bunches and recent meetings rarely lacking drama, Thursday night’s encounter shapes as another high-energy chapter in this growing local rivalry.

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 3. Alex GERSBACH, 4. Alexander BONETIG, 5. Dylan SCICLUNA, 6. Mohamed AL-TAAY, 8. Steven UGARKOVIC, 9. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 17. Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19. Ruon TONGYIK, 20. Lawrence THOMAS, 22. Anthony PANTAZOPOULOS, 23. Bozhidar KRAEV, 24. Nathan BARRIE, 25. Joshua BRILLANTE, 26.Brandon BORRELLO, 30. Jordan HOLMES, 32. Angus THURGATE, 37. Alaat ABDUL-RAHMAN, 38. Jai ROSE, 39. Awan LUAL, 45. Alou KUOL.

(Two to be omitted)

In: 3. Alex GERSBACH (return from injury), 38. Jai ROSE (Promoted)
Out: 2. Gabriel CLEUR, 21. Aydan HAMMOND, 31. Aidan SIMMONS (Both international duty)
Unavailable: 2. Gabriel CLEUR, 21. Aydan HAMMOND, 31. Aidan SIMMONS (Both international duty)