The second elimination final sees fourth-placed Wellington Phoenix host fifth placed Melbourne City at Westpac Stadium.
Both sides enter the match off the back of inconsistent results, but previous form counts for little in do or die football.
Wellington suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Sydney FC which saw the Phoenix lose the opportunity to finish the regular season in second place and gain automatic progression through to the semi-finals. A missed penalty in the opening 10 minutes was countered with two first half goals to the Sky Blues. Michael Boxall’s goal in the first minute of the second half was not enough to spark a turnaround for the Phoenix, who suffered their second loss to Sydney at home in a month. Midweek, the Phoenix had their annual awards with Nathan Burns named player of the season.
City ended the season with a heavy 4-1 loss to Adelaide United. Three stunning first half goals, and a second half penalty to the Reds ensured they finished third on the table, while Aaron Mooy’s spot kick was nothing more than consolation. This is only City’s second finals appearance. Their only previous finals campaign in 2011-12 saw them fall at the first hurdle with a 3-0 loss to Perth Glory.
Key battle – Roly Bonevacia vs Aaron Mooy
These two midfielders have provided plenty of positives for their respective sides during matches and both teams will need their central players to step up to the finals challenge. Bonevacia was named the Phoenix’s under 23 player of the season midweek and the Phoenix will be hoping his creativity in the final third, as well as his willingness to shoot from range, will see some much needed goals created and scored. Mooy’s versatility is shown by his seven goals this season as well as ranking fourth in the league for tackles won.
Team News
Glen Moss returns to the squad after a week out due to injury, which will see Lewis Italiano relegated to the bench. Merrick may shuffle his side a bit, after pushing full-back Louis Fenton into the front three for the match against Sydney.
Wellington Phoenix Expected XI (4-3-3): Moss (GK); Sigmund, Durante, Boxall, Muscat; Riera, Bonevacia, Fenton; Krishna, McGlinchey, Burns.
City will be without defender Kew Jaliens, who will be serving a one game suspension after being sent off against Adelaide last round. Iain Ramsay and Mate Dugandzic return to the squad after injury and Paulo Retre is included after serving a suspension.
Melbourne City Expected XI (4-3-3): Velaphi (GK); Kisnorbo, Chapman, Retre, Ramsay; Germano, Mooy, Paartalu; Koren, Novillo, Kennedy.
Head-to-Head
Wellington leads the overall head-to-head with six wins to three. There have been six draws in this fixture with three of those coming in their last four encounters. City have only won once at Westpac Stadium – a 5-0 demolition in February 2014.
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Previous meeting
These sides met in Melbourne in round 25, playing out a second consecutive nil-all draw. Both sides had plenty of opportunities to score, with Wellington registering 20 shots on goal to City’s 12. The draw saw the Phoenix scoreless for the third game in a row while Melbourne failed to get on the scoresheet for the first time in five matches.
Prediction
These sides have endured similar results of late, creating an even match up for this game. However, football, particularly in the finals, is unpredictable. Wellington will be desperate to score, and score early, after a recent lack of clinical finishing in front of goal. City have conceded seven in their past two games and will need to tighten things up at the back to ensure they remain in the contest – especially if the Phoenix’s strike force finds its form. This match looks set to be very close and very tight – minor mistakes could prove costly in this do or die clash.
Wellington Phoenix 2 Melbourne City 1
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