The Phoenix will play their first home-away-from-home game of the 2015-16 season when they host the Melbourne Victory at the 25,000 capacity QBE Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.
Kevin Muscat’s table-toppers will be looking to record a third straight 3-0 win over the Nix, after already beating the New Zealand franchise at home by the same scoreline in early November and in their Round 24 matchup last season.
Melbourne enjoyed a straightforward home outing over a winless Adelaide at the Etihad last weekend. The 2-1 win means that the Victory are now top of the A-League and with four wins on the trot they sit just ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers on goal-difference. Wellington drew 0-0 with a stuttering Sydney FC, as both sides struggled to find the target in a clumsy and foul-dominated Round eight clash at the Allianz.
Despite being the away side, Melbourne will be heavy favourites to record the win in this fixture and the Phoenix will have to play to their finest level to get the points.
Ernie Merrick’s men will need to put their highly fancied opponents under pressure from the off, while the Auckland fans will also need to come to the party, in order to fashion the performance and create the atmosphere required to send the FFA and the rest of the league a message of intent. We are here to stay; we are here to compete for the title. A win will be the perfect way to cap the achievement of Glen Moss as first keeper to play 100 games for the Nix.
Key Battle – Kosta Barbarouses vs Michael McGlinchey
This will be a battle between two crucial members of the New Zealand All Whites, a clash of two midfielders/attackers that are essential to each of their side’s success so far this season. Kosta Barbarouses is blessed with immense pace and an eye for goal, his crossing ability has also greatly improved with his game time for the Victory.
Michael McGlinchey’s vision is unparalleled and his ability to pick a pass or make a telling run means that he is one of the most reliable and consistent chance creators in the league. Both kiwis come into 2015-16 having competed in a large complement of A-League matches across numerous seasons. This match will pit these two international teammates against each other for the second time this campaignn, with McGlinchey’s side looking to be the victor on this occasion.
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Team News
The shape of the Phoenix defence will depend a lot on whether Ben Sigmund has recovered from his virus/concussion in time to return, after being flown home from Sydney midweek. Another issue is whether the returning Vince Lia should start over Alex Rodriguez. Finally, Ernie Merrick needs to decide whether marquee man Jeffrey Sarpong will start up front, or if he will hand Louis Fenton another surprise start ahead of the Dutchman.
Melbourne should keep the same lineup as the side that dispatched lowly Adelaide United last round.
Head-to-head
Convincing winners last time out, the first-placed Victory will look to maintain their excellent winning record against a Phoenix side that sit seventh in the table. In the 25 matches between these sides, Melbourne has won 15, with six draws. Wellington has won only four times.
Previous meeting
The Victory side were the clear winners at home in the last matchup between these two sides, as the Phoenix were completely outplayed at the Eithad. Two goals from star striker Besart Berisha, either side of an Andrew Durante own goal, ensured that the navy blues got the points they deserved from the encounter.
Prediction
Melbourne Victory are favourites to take the title again this season and the Phoenix have yet to find the fluidity that took them to the A League summit last season. Lacking a consistent goal scorer up front has hurt the Nix so far, and the Victory outfit has not had trouble in that department home or away.
Wellington Phoenix 3 Melbourne Victory 1
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