With only four games remaining in the 2015-16 A-League season, every game from here on out is like a cup final.
The winner of this matchup will claim the affectionately dubbed ‘Long Distance Derby’, and as both sides have defeated each other away by a single goal in this season’s two previous matchups, this is the decider.
Both sides come into this game on the back of some big victories. The Phoenix dispatched Sydney FC in an impressive away performance at Allianz Stadium to cast further doubt on the Sky Blues’ title aspirations. A scintillating first half saw the Phoenix net three in the opening 35 minutes, as the front line, led by a rejuvenated Michael McGlinchey, tore some shabby Sydney defending apart.
The Glory had no trouble compounding bottom side Central Coast Mariners’ woes with a comprehensive 4-0 victory, scoring freely after the side from Gosford were reduced to nine men.
POPULAR: Kosta Barbarouses’ return home a marker of Wellington’s changing fortunes
Key Battle – Michael McGlinchey vs Andy Keogh
Against Sydney, McGlinchey was back to his best as he terrorised the Sydney rear-guard and picked up two assists with devilish crosses into the box. If the Kiwi-Scot can bring some of that form to this encounter, Perth will be very worried indeed.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
However, McGlinchey’s ability will count for naught if Perth’s Irishman is on form. The scorer of two of Perth’s four goals against the Mariners, Keogh will be desperate to notch more goals against the Nix after blowing a glorious chance to score in Round 18, hitting the post when one-on-one with Moss. On their day, these two are some of the best players in the league, so if one turns up, expect his side to win the match.
Team News
For once, suspensions are not an issue for the Phoenix. With almost a full complement of players to choose from (barring the long-term injuries to Vince Lia, Joel Stevens and Roy Krishna), Merrick is spoilt for choice.
Kenny Lowe has almost an entire squad to choose from with no yellow cards or injuries in their comfortable victory over the Mariners. Nebojsa Marinkovic will be the only notable absentee with a hamstring twinge that is expected to keep him out for one match.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have played one another 28 times and historically there has not been much between the sides. The Glory have a chance to level things up in terms of wins, as they have 11 triumphs against Wellington, while the Nix, have beaten the Glory 12 times. Only five matches have been draws between these two, with the last one way back in season 2013-14.
Previous Meeting
Last time out, a Chris Harold header and some stoic Perth defence was enough to secure a clean sheet and 1-0 victory for the Glory against the Phoenix at Westpac in an incredibly tight Round 18 clash. It was a gritty win but a much-needed one for the boys in purple and white, condemning the Phoenix to consecutive home defeats in the process.
Prediction
In what is sure to be a passionate game between the two, its difficult to predict a winner. Perth are right in the corridor of uncertainty in fifth position, where they could still slip from play-off contention if the teams around them pick up points. The Phoenix are all but out of the finals, but they still have a slim mathematical chance going into the game, and that hope will not fade if they win this one.
Wellington Phoenix 1 Perth Glory 1
*CrownBet odds at time of publishing and subject to change
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
