Time will tell as to whether Western Sydney Wanderers will have a shot at the minor premiership.
However, what is guaranteed is that Wellington Phoenix stalwarts Ben Sigmund and Manny Muscat will bid farewell to a club they have always served wholeheartedly.
It is fitting that both club legends will finish the season together at the Cake Tin, after arriving at around the same time in 2008. In symmetrical fashion, the pair depart in unison eight years later, with Sigmund retiring at the Nix and releasing his book Fully Committed – The Ben Sigmund Story and Manny Muscat returning to home to play with Melbourne City next season.
After resigning Dimas Delgado (who should make his return from suspension on Sunday night), the Wanderers are yet to re-sign Spanish pair Alberto Aguilar and Andreu Mayoral, despite offering both bumper contract extensions to remain in red and black for the 2016/17 campaign.
Last Round Western Sydney dispatched wooden spooners Central Coast Mariners in a clinical 4-1 rout. The Phoenix and Victory game finished with the same scoreline, albeit in reverse, as the Phoenix were soundly beaten at home by the Victory in a disappointing display.
If there ever was a game to turn up for it is this one for the Phoenix. They simply have to win at home to send off two club legends in the best way possible. Nothing but a strong performance will be desired to what promises to be a strong crowd in attendance, with the club confirming that admission to the match is free as a tribute to the departing pair.
Key Battle – Ben Sigmund vs Brendon Santalab
‘Siggy’ takes on the in-form striker, fresh after scoring twice against the Mariners in just his second start of the season. It is sure to be a bruising encounter and a final challenge that Sigmund will relish, just as he has done his entire career.
From the New Zealander arrived at the ‘Nix, he didn’t just establish himself as a regular, he thrived and quickly became a key man for the Kiwi side. It’s a side he loves and the feeling is mutual for the fans.
FREE TICKETS! Last day today and they won't last so get in quick! https://t.co/MQgZWB4G3T #WELvWSW pic.twitter.com/1w0NkEMwat
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) April 7, 2016
Team News
After picking up a red card in the Phoenix’s penultimate match against the Victory, Albert Riera will be a big loss in the Phoenix engine room. Expect Vince Lia to take his place while Manny Muscat will play his final A-League game with the Phoenix at right back.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Western Sydney Wanderers – $1.71
This is sure to be a sombre moment for the home supporters, as they witness the last appearance of the veteran backline that we thought would last forever. Club captain Andrew Durante will be the last veteran standing.
Wellington Phoenix Expected XI (4-3-3): Moss, Muscat, Durante, Sigmund, Doyle, Lia, Rodriguez, McGlinchey, Bonevacia, Powell, Krishna.
The aforementioned Dimas Delgado returns from suspension for the Wanderers, while Brendon Santalab should be handed another start after putting Central Coast to the sword last Round.
Western Sydney Wanderers Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Redmayne, Neville, Alberto, Jamieson, Baccus, Andreu, Castelen, Nichols, Bridge, Santalab.
Head-to-Head
Wellington has more wins in fixtures between these two, with five victories to the Wanderers four. There have been two even finishes in clashes between the sides, making this fixture the 12th encounter between them.
Previous Meeting
An incredible four-goal haul and perfect first-half hat-trick from Blake Powell saw the Phoenix breeze past the Wanderers at Pirtek in arguably the biggest shock of the season. Powell struck with aplomb, netting the second hat-trick in the Phoenix’s history, and the first of the 2015-16 season in the Round 19 upset 5-2 win.
Despite a late Wanderers fightback, the first-half blitz by the Nix was enough to ensure the yellow and blacks took all three points, with a late Michael McGlinchey penalty putting some gloss on the scoreline.
Prediction
Sigmund and Muscat deserve a win, but the Wanderers will be a difficult proposition whether they are chasing the minor premiership title or not.
Wellington Phoenix 2 Western Sydney 2
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing are subject to change
