- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Wellington Phoenix host Melbourne Victory in Saturday evening twilight football. Join us for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
Wellington come into this game as one of the in-form teams of the A-League, picking up 10 points out of a possible twelve and will need to continue that sort of form if they are to challenge for a finals spot.
Victory have been inconsistent over the same period, picking up eight points from a possible 12, but that also includes the 3-0 thrashing they were handed by Brisbane.
This game is going to be difficult for Melbourne as their “unavailable” list reads like a shortlist for their best and fairest.
Mark Milligan, Connor Pain, Nick Ansell, Scott Galloway and Jason Geria have all been consistent performers and create the spine that allows the others to perform.
Add to that list Mitch Nichols, whose knee-jerk reaction to the offer from Japan has brought him undone and will miss this game with a knee injury. Nichols may not play again for Victory, and Muscat will need to find a replacement for his false 9 and a half.
On the Chilean bright side, Pablo Contreras returns from suspension, again.
Ernie Merrick created the demon that is Melbourne Victory, as they carelessly flaunt their status and wealth with the loaning of Barbarouses and Troisi.
Wellington have had to make do and sign a backpacker and a plumber, yet the teams are separated on the ladder by nine points, the Nix with a game in hand.
Wellington have seen the ‘Roarcelona’ tag and want it, not that ‘Wellingtona’ has the same ring to it. In fact, it sounds like a far-flung, dangerous suburb of a large city.
Melbourne on the other hand, have looked to redefine ‘Barcelona’ in a football linguistic tug-o-war. Tucked-in wingers with two indefinable strikers masquerading as midfielders.
Wellington’s recent form has been hot and although Melbourne played well on Tuesday, they will have to rely on inexperienced youngsters again.
Wellington to create another upset again, at home, after three wins and a draw.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.