A-League: Western United braced for rising Wellington Phoenix

Western United will face rejuvenated opponents when they head to Mars Stadium for their first A-League home game in Ballarat

Western United coach Mark Rudan gives directions to Max Burgess during the 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: AAP

Western United will face rejuvenated opponents when they head to Mars Stadium for their first A-League home game in Ballarat on Saturday.

Mark Rudan’s third-placed side will take on his former club Wellington Phoenix for the second time this season, after defeating them 1-0 in round one.

Wellington have kicked into excellent form since then and are unbeaten in their past six games to sit sixth on the ladder, though Rudan said United could still take plenty out of their opening-round victory.

“We know Ufy (coach Ufuk Talay) has brought the Sydney FC system over to Wellington and you need to find solutions against that shape and the way they play,” Rudan said.

“We certainly did that so you can take a lot from it.

“They’ve grown in confidence since then — results-wise they’ve played some good football. (I’m) very proud of Ufy as well, he’s a good friend and I helped him get the job over there.

“It was important that the club is in good hands because it is a very, very good club. And they’re doing really, really well.

“For me, the way they’re playing now they’re finals contenders, if not a finals team and I certainly think they’ll be playing finals football. We understand it’s going to be a tough encounter.”

Rudan expected an improved performance after United had to scramble a late goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Western Sydney a week ago.

Josh Risdon (foot) is still sidelined, while Panagiotis Kone will have a fitness test, but Scott McDonald will return to the side.

Wellington are set to regain Alex Rufer but the midfielder could have to return via the bench, given youngster Cameron Devlin’s superb form. Rudan said United would welcome the opportunity to play the first of their four games in Ballarat.

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“It’s something new. We haven’t trained there or played there before so it’s going to be one of a kind for us,” he said.

“It’s about growing the game and growing our football club and we are hoping for a big turnout, albeit the weather might not be that kind but hopefully they come out and support.”

Meanwhile, Rudan is hoping to sign a striker and a midfielder during the January transfer window as he looks to bolster his squad.

United already have quality in both areas with the likes of Alessandro Diamanti, Besart Berisha and Kone, but at times have been unable to convert chances.

Rudan says they are hoping to some business in January.

“We’re always on the lookout, we’re always having a look to grow this squad and improve the squad, so I guess we’re no different to any other team. But yeah, we are (looking in January),” Rudan said on Friday.

“They’re probably the two areas of the park – is probably the middle of the park and further up the field — that we’re looking to improve on.

“And that process is never-ending – even for next year, as you know, (we have) a lot of players coming off contract, that goes on in every club — that recruitment drive.

“But certainly in the immediate future, in January, we’re looking to improve the squad — if we can. If not, more than happy to run with what we’ve got — we’ve got some good players.”

Rudan was asked about speculation his highly rated assistant John Anastasiadis could join Ange Postecoglou’s J-League-winning coaching team at Yokohama F. Marinos, following Peter Cklamovski’s departure to become head coach at Shimizu S-Pulse.

Rudan, who is catching up with Postecoglou on Monday, stopped short of denying or confirming any news on Anastasiadis’ future, but said he wouldn’t “stand in the way” of his staff making moves to further their careers.

“Watch this space. I’m not going to make any comment because there’s no need,” Rudan said.

“We’re not going to make any comment but we’ll never stand in the way of anybody if it’s going to improve their careers going forward – what we’re proud of is that we’ve given them a base to take off from and look to bigger and better things and greener pastures.”

AAP