Adelaide United were looking to end their winless run at the sixth attempt when they last traveled to Westpac stadium, while the Nix were playing their first game at the Ring of Fire since the FFA had announced their 10-year license extension request had been denied.
The situation could not be more different 16 games on, because if the Reds avoid defeat in Wellington they will better a club record, setting a new benchmark of a remarkable 13 consecutive games without defeat. Adelaide are sitting second on the table and coach Guillermo Amor, vilified at the start of the season, has overcome his initial teething problems to turn his team into a nigh impossible outfit to beat in the latter stages of 2015-16.
This Wellington Phoenix side also find themselves in an unprecedented position this time around. They have been granted the license that they craved, and the A-League has 10 more blissful years of the wind, the rain and the Phoenix ahead. The #SavetheNix campaign did its job and now the players can focus on doing theirs, with no off-field distractions for the second week in-a-row at home, in a final attempt to keep one final small sliver of a playoff hope alive.
Ernie Merrick’s men will hope they attract a much larger crowd than the 6,159 that showed up to Westpac stadium to witness their shock 2-1 upset of Melbourne City. The ‘Windy City’ lived up to its name that night, as Mooy and co. struggled to assert themselves in the blustery conditions. A return to the Cake Tin will be welcomed by Ernie Merrick and his charges, as they make the most of their four remaining home games of six to be played in the remainder of the season.
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Key Battle – Roly Bonevacia vs Stefan Mauk
Away from home against the Reds Bonevacia was kept quiet. However, the Phoenix need him to dictate the tempo against Adelaide like he did the last time these sides clashed in New Zealand. It was Bonevacia at his irresistible best, and he featured prominently throughout the game, hitting his scintillating peak when he fired in a goal of the season contender to cap off a 4-2 demolition in an emotionally charged occasion in front of 13,000+ delirious home fans.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Stefan Mauk was named young player of the month and has been on a fine run for his new side, which he joined in the January transfer window from Melbourne City. The 20-year-old provided two assists from his favoured centre-midfield position in Adelaide’s comprehensive 3-0 win over Brisbane last weekend. He will have to be at his best to ensure Bonevacia does not control the midfield, and will need to dictate proceedings himself in order to snag the three points.
Team News
Ernie Merrick has no fresh injury concerns to worry about, yet keys names like Roy Krishna and Vince Lia remain unavailable due to injury. Goalscoring threats Blake Powell and Hamish Watson are both available for selection though.
The Reds will also travel without any issues from last weekend, but will be missing Isaias and Eli Babalj who are both out with long-term knee injuries. Iacopo La Rocca could make a return from the bench if things go as Guillermo Amor will be planning.
Head-to-head
Adelaide United has the better results in fixtures against the Nix, but this is mainly on the back of their imperious home record, with 10 of their 12 wins coming at Coopers Stadium. In 27 games between the two, the Reds have won 13 and lost only eight, with six games finishing level.
Previous Meeting
The 10-man Wellington were dispatched at Coopers stadium last time out as a Manny Muscat own goal and the dismissal of Albert Riera were compounded by two late second-half goals in two minutes by Craig Goodwin and Michael Morrone, sealing a straight-forward Adelaide home win.
Prediction
After struggling at the start of the season, this Adelaide team has turned things around and are on a outstanding run that should see them comfortably through to the finals if the can maintain their form throughout the remaining six rounds.
The Phoenix will simply be hoping that on-form Adelaide’s poor history at Westpac will be on show once again.
Whether United have peaked too early to sustain a Champions Trophy push remains to be seen, but they should continue their form and claim a club record with a win in this one, and continue their march toward the Premiers Plate.
Wellington Phoenix 1 Adelaide United 2
*CrownBet odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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