First hosts second as Melbourne Victory travel to Wellington to take on the Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.
Another encounter which will go a long way in deciding the premier’s plate, either side could go top if they secure all three points in what is likely to be an enthralling match.
Wellington enters the game off the back of a 3-0 loss to Sydney FC at home. With a squad heavily depleted due to international call-ups, the Phoenix struggled to compete against a Sky Blues team which was only missing Marc Janko. Three goals in the first half – including an own goal to Manny Muscat – was enough to prevent the Phoenix from creating a seven-point gap between first and second.
The Victory come into the match after a 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners at home. The Mariners found the back of the net first, through former Victory man, Isaka Cernak. However, a goal either side of half-time from Gui Finkler – including a spectacular curling shot from inside the box –kept the Victory in second spot on the table.
Key Battle – Fahid Ben Khalfallah v Louis Fenton
One of the most in-form attackers in the league at the present moment, Fahid Ben Khalfallah’s performance against the Phoenix will go a long way in determining the outcome of the match.
With Kosta Barbarouses’ inclusion in the match day squad, the Wellington defence will have to somehow nullify all members of the Victory front four.
The man likely to be in charge of reducing Khalfallah’s impact and influence on the game is Louis Fenton. The young defender has put in plenty of solid defensive displays this season. How he limits Khalfallah as well as how much he gets forward for the Phoenix will play a role in this game.
Team News
The Phoenix welcome back Michael McGlinchey, Nathan Burns, Michael Boxall, Louis Fenton and Tom Doyle from national team duties. Albert Riera is suspended for a week following his red card against Sydney FC last week and Vince Lia is omitted due to injury.
Wellington Phoenix Expected XI (4-3-3): Moss (GK); Muscat, Durante, Sigmund, Fenton; Bonevacia, Rodriguez, Griffiths; Burns, McGlinchey, Krishna.
The Victory have four big inclusions with Mark Milligan, Jason Geria, Daniel Georgievski and Kosta Barbarouses all returning from national team duties. Their return sees youngsters Thomas Deng and George Howard omitted from the squad.
Melbourne Victory Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Coe (GK); Ansell, Delpierre, Georgievski, Geria; Milligan, Valeri; Finkler, Barbarouses, Khalfallah; Berisha.
Head-to-Head
The Melbourne side leads the head-to-head convincingly with 13 wins to four with six draws. Victory’s record at Westpac Stadium is favourable with four wins and three draws out of 10 visits to the stadium.
Previous Meeting
The last time these sides met the Phoenix secured their first ever win against the Victory in Melbourne with a 3-2 scoreline. The Victory went ahead through Scott Galloway only for Roly Bonevacia to equalise. The home side took the lead once more through Kosta Barbarouses with Michael Boxall restoring parity 15 minutes later. Nathan Burns scored the winner in the 77th minute to claim the three points.
https://youtu.be/oJcVxOSp0Dg
Prediction
This match is shaping up to be a fascinating contest for the neutral fans. Both sides will be almost at full strength and another close contest with plenty of goals, much like their most recent meeting, is to be expected.
With two of the deadliest attacks in the league, how each defence copes with the inevitable attacks and works towards reducing the influence of key players will help decide the result.
Ultimately, it will be difficult to split the two sides.
Wellington Phoenix 2 Melbourne Victory 2
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