W UNITED v PHOENIX

Western United depth to be tested

Saturday, Ballarat, 5pm

WESTERN United’s impressive depth looks set to be tested for Saturday’s Ballarat debut against Wellington Phoenix.

Greek marquee star Panagiotis Kone is likely to miss after limping off early in the 1-1 draw away to Western Sydney.

Veteran warrior Andrew Durante faces a concussion test before United coach Mark Rudan knows whether he will be available to face his old club, after coming off late in the draw against Western Sydney.

Fellow defender Ersan Gulum will also be monitored after appearing to battle through the game with a twinge.

Rudan must also factor in the 38C forecast for Saturday, with United kicking off at 5pm for their first clash at Mars Stadium, after playing their first six home games at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.

If one or both of Durante and Gulum miss, it would trigger a reshuffling of a fairly steady back three — with the former being the mainstay in the middle.

Aaron Calver, who finished the game in his favoured stopper’s role, and substitute Jonathan Aspropotamitis are capable of playing in the back three.

Substitute Dylan Pierias starred for United’s reserves in last Saturday’s practice match win over Altona Magic, and could come into contention for a maiden start this season at right wingback with Socceroo Josh Risdon still probably a week away in returning from a foot injury.

Attacking midfielder Max Burgess, fellow substitute Valentino Yuel — who made his second appearance of the season after injury — and returning Scott McDonald are the options to replace Kone.

United is third, two points behind Melbourne City who face a tough trip to top-of-thetable Sydney FC on Sunday, while Melbourne Victory have the bye after last Saturday’s derby win.

Rudan faces his former club Phoenix, which are undefeated in six games, having won three of those and impressed under his replacement, former Australian youth international coach Ufuk Talay.