With another slip -p from the league leaders, the door is once again open for Melbourne City to push for a top two spot after squandering their chance to go outright second last weekend.
John van’t Schip’s men would have been disappointed with their 2-2 draw against a resilient Perth Glory after they were relegated to 10 men for most of the second half, but should relish their chance at redemption this weekend against a depleted Wellington Phoenix outfit.
It has been a matter of holding on for a Phoenix side that has been missing a number of first team players in recent weeks.
Ernie Merrick’s men were unable to repeat their heroics against Brisbane Roar last week, falling in a crushing 3-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets, who were also down to 10 men for a good portion of the second half.
The Phoenix are at risk of losing touch with sixth-placed Adelaide United and need things to turn around quickly if they are going to gain any momentum for a finals charge.
POPULAR ARTICLES
A-League – Tactical Analysis – Central Coast Mariners 1 Western Sydney Wanderers 2
How the fans reacted to Luis Garcia’s A-League debut
Melbourne City sign Osama Malik as Stefan Mauk heads in opposite direction
Key Battle – Bruno Fornaroli vs Andrew Durante
The Uruguayan has featured in many key matchups this season with Outside90 and this match is no exception.
Fornaroli has the chance to do what only a handful of players have done and score a goal against every A-League club – in the first 16 matches of his A-League career.
City’s number nine did not find the scoresheet last week against the Glory, ending his golden run of seven goals in seven games.
WIN! £50 voucher from Classic Football Shirts up for grabs!
The Phoenix are still without stalwart centre-half Ben Sigmund who is currently recovering from hip surgery, which means added pressure on the experienced players along the back line. They do not come much more experienced than Andrew Durante.
The veteran has done well in recent weeks to marshal a very inexperienced back four to some pleasing performances, but will have to muster something special this week to deny Fornaroli and the City front three.
Team News
John van’t Schip will be forced to change his side for the first time in a fortnight with David Williams reportedly released from his contract and Jack Clisby picking up his mandatory one-week suspension for his fifth yellow card this season.
City have some more than capable replacements in the offering however, as Ivan Franjic returns from injury, while Anthony Caceres is available for his first match with the club after his loan move from Manchester City to the Melbourne sister club. Likewise, Osama Malik and Nick Fitzgerald are available for selection after their signings were announced on Saturday.
As if it could get any worse for the Phoenix on the injury front – just as they were expecting some players to return – they were dealt one of their harshest blows with Roy Krishna ruled out for an extended period with an ankle injury.
There is some good news though, with Manny Muscat returning from his two-match suspension and promising youngster Louis Fenton returning to the side after a horrid string of injuries.
Head-to-Head
This is one of the more evenly contested fixtures in A-League history with the Phoenix only just ahead on the ledger with six wins to City’s five, while a further six matches have also ended in draws.
Previous Meeting
This will be the two sides’ first meeting of the 2015-16 season with their last A-League encounter ending in a 2-0-blockbuster elimination final victory to Melbourne City. Josh Kennedy squandered several but got the first that day, while Glen Moss would like to forget all about his own goal that sent the Nix out of last year’s finals series.
Prediction
One team is six matches without a win, the other has only had the one loss in nine – it should not get more straightforward than this, although City and the Phoenix have both shown countless times over the past months how wildly unpredictable they can be at the best of times. Melbourne City have not been able to stop leaking goals with only the one clean sheet this season, and therein lies the hope for Phoenix supporters. In saying this, expect a somewhat comfortable three points for City in front of their home crowd as they look for second spot on the ladder.
Melbourne City 3 Wellington Phoenix 1
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.
