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FULLTIME
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Burns 79′) def West Sydney Wanderers 0
A lone strike from the in-form Nathan Burns enough to get the points, and propel the New Zealand based side into fourth place in the process.
Things don’t get any easier for the winless Wanderers who face another plane trip. They are heading west to take on the Glory in what will be another tough game.
The Phoenix will also be on the road as they travel to Adelaide next Saturday.
The Wanderers were gallant in defeat, but were unable to manufacture any real chances. Their keeper Ante Covic kept them in the game with another tremendous penalty save. Nikita Rukavytsya looked sharp during his first outing in Wanderers colours, and looms as a handful for opposing players with his speed off the mark.
Ernie Merrick will be happy with what he saw from his team.
There was plenty to like about their well-worked team goal, and his defence stood strong when they have often faulted in the past.
The win was soured though by another shoulder injury to Fenton, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
After scaling the heights of Asia, it’s back to business for the Western Sydney Wanderers as they take on the Wellington Phoenix at the ‘Cake Tin’. Join The Roar from 5:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and coverage.
They might not be playing in a baking Arabian sun, or have to contend with lasers, but if the Wanderers find themselves down with ten minutes to go they will have to deal with a formidable foe – hundreds of shirtless Kiwi fans.
The Wellington dance is as unique to Phoenix supporters as the Ponzam is to the RBB, and adds plenty of colour and theatre to games in the New Zealand capital.
Of more concern to Tony Popovic’s charges is the need to get some points on the league table. In an unusual start to the season, both the grand finalists are yet to register a point in the opening month.
Although the Wanderers can be forgiven for being distracted as they focused on claiming Asian Football’s greatest club prize, which they duly did against Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
The Phoenix have enjoyed a mixed start to the season – two wins and two losses from their opening four matches, to currently sit fifth on the table.
Travelling to Wellington is one of the toughest road trips in the league, and a home fortress will go a long way to aiding the Phoenix to a successful season.
How Wellington can win
Wellington don’t have the greatest record against the Wanderers, having won just two of their previous six meetings, including a 3-1 victory against the visitors in January.
Don’t discount the home advantage. The last time the Phoenix played at home they thrashed the Newcastle Jets, and with their place in the competition being questioned by outside sources, they know solid performances at home will be important for their health.
From a purely football perspective, the Phoenix can win this match by playing a high pressing, fast tempo game. Their attackers are in fairly good form at moment despite the loss to Melbourne and will be hungry to build on a decent start to the match.
How Western Sydney can win
As fit and professional as the Wanderers are, you’d have to think that the travel and fatigue factor is going to hit them at some stage. The best way for the Wanderers to win this match is to go on the attack early – take the crowd out of the equation, and make sure that they have a lead on the scoreboard as they start to tire.
While that’s easier said than done, the Wanderers have the players do it. Mark Bridge is in decent goal-scoring form, having already notched two this season, and captain Nikoli Topper-Stanley will be full of confidence after earning another call-up to the national team.
Likely result
Both sides are coming off short turnarounds. The Phoenix are backing up from Monday night, while the Wanderers are backing up from two very draining games in the final of the Asian Champions League.
Wellington won’t be pushovers, this match could very well end up as a 1-all draw.
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