Melbourne City will look to tighten their stranglehold on an A-League finals berth when they face premiership plate chasers Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park this Sunday.
City have gone undefeated in four consecutive matches with their most recent efforts earning them a point against an inspired Western Sydney Wanderers outfit. Wellington were stunned at home by a rampant Melbourne Victory last weekend and have slipped to fourth in the table, but remain just a positive result off the pace.
A win for Ernie Merrick’s men could potentially see their top-of-the-league status restored as they currently trail league leaders Victory by just two points. City, on the other hand, are looking to tighten their grip on sixth as title-defenders Brisbane Roar are revitalised and in pursuit of the Melburnians.
Key Battle – Josh Kennedy vs Andrew Durante/Michael Boxall
Kennedy has failed to find the net since giving City the lead against Adelaide United way back in Round 19. Having been removed in place of the non-preferred David Williams. City have looked dangerous from set pieces all season through the likes of Aaron Mooy, Harry Novillo and Robi Koren. The tall striker should be well provided for.
Andrew Durante’s centre-back role alongside Michael Boxall has seen the Phoenix concede six goals in their last two games. If the team is are to keep up with the league pace, the pair will need to suffocate the influence of the Socceroo and dominate set play headers.
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Team News
City defender Connor Chapman is available after a lengthy suspension to take on Wellington, his last game contributing to another failed attempt at Wanderland. Fellow defender Jason Hoffman has also been lifted to the 18-man squad, with two players still to be omitted.
Melbourne City expected XI: Velaphi, Chapman, Kisnorbo, Kennedy, Mooy, Novillo, Koren, Germano, Paartalu, Retre, Murdocca.
Alberto Riera returns to the squad travelling to Melbourne at the weekend from suspension, while Vince Lia is back from injury. Joel Griffiths has been indefinitely sidelined after sustaining a knee injury against City’s crosstown neighbours. Ben Sigmund is unavailable due to a quad strain.
Wellington Phoenix expected XI: Moss, Fenton, Durante, Boxall, Muscat, Gorrin, McGlinchey, Bonevacia, Krishna, Burns, Cunningham.
Head-to-Head
The Nix have historically performed well against the Melburnians, having beaten them six times compared to City’s three. There has been five draws.
A goalless draw was the result of these two sides clashing in Wellington in a game of little opportunity. Marquee
City winger Damien Duff was withdrawn early in the match after a season ending freak double injury, with both his calf and ankle being damaged.
John van’t Schip’s side were unable to pose any further threat after the incident, which influenced the signing of Frenchman Harry Novillo.
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Prediction
An opportunity to claim the premier’s plate could go begging if Wellington should fail to regain their mojo. The Melburnians will be desperate to seal their place in this season’s finals series with the title-defenders hot on their heels.
City’s two remaining fixtures outside of this encounter are both away from AAMI Park, a stadium they have enjoyed success at for the majority of the season. While crowd numbers have proven difficult to improve on despite a run of good performances, they have still been discussed as a dark horse championship contender.
Wellington’s form of late and a potentially season ending injury to Griffiths suggests the Nix are spent. City
should extend their unbeaten run with three points and end their opponent’s premiership chase.
Melbourne City 2 – 1 Wellington Phoenix
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