Western United aiming for clean sweep of Melbourne City in A-League summit clash

Playing against the A-League’s best team three times in the pre-season was the perfect preparation for Western United’s 2021-22 campaign.

Western United’s Dylan Wenzel-Halls is challenged by Melbourne City’s Nuno Reis in a December derby. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The chance to play champions Melbourne City three times in the pre-season is paying dividends for a Western United team enjoying a memorable revival under John Aloisi.

United barely rated a mention in predictions for the 2021-22 season, with all the talk –­ particularly in Victoria – being about cashed-up City’s bid for back-to-back titles and the likelihood of a Melbourne Victory resurgence under super coach Tony Popovic.

However, Aloisi’s men have defied the odds to be taking part in a top-of-the-table derby against City at AAMI Park on Saturday.

While City is in first place on goal difference, United has played two fewer games than the champions.

A United win over on Saturday would give Aloisi’s team a clean sweep of wins over City this season.

It was a different story in the pre-season, with United failing to beat City in the three occasions they met.

However, losing twice to City and drawing once in those trials gave Aloisi a true indication of what United required to bounce back from a dismal finish to last season – including eight successive losses – under previous coach Mark Rudan.

Steven Lustica (right) celebrates with his Western United teammates after scoring against Melbourne City in January. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“We just made sure that we were believing in what we were trying to do and where we were trying to head,” Aloisi said.

“What helped us was having those three pre-season friendlies against Melbourne City because we got to see where they were at, where we were at and what we needed to do to improve to get to a level where we can compete with Melbourne City.

“That really helped us a lot. We had that belief from the word go that we’d be very competitive, but we weren’t looking too far ahead, either.

“Then, when you start winning games, the belief is there even more so; that’s what’s happened with our group.

“We know that we still need to improve, and we still will improve.”

Aloisi said while Saturday’s derby wasn’t “season-defining”, it was “important” to United.

“I don’t need to motivate (United’s players) too much for this game because they know that it’s against Melbourne City – they’re on the same points as us.

“If you don’t enjoy playing or being involved in these games, then you shouldn’t be involved in football. The players can’t wait (and) I can’t wait.”

Key pair Josh Risdon and Connor Pain are set to return from injury for United, but Italian talisman Alessandro Diamanti (knee) will remain sidelined.

City coach Patrick Kisnorbo said Socceroos star Mathew Leckie was a chance to make his comeback from a groin injury.

However, Aloisi expected Leckie to miss the derby

“I’d be very surprised if he plays because of the way that he pulled up the other week and he wasn’t involved the other night,” Aloisi said.

Originally published as Western United aiming for clean sweep of Melbourne City in A-League summit clash