One plays two when the Wellington Phoenix face the Melbourne Victory on Easter Sunday, in a game that will help determine the Premiers Plate. Join The Roar from 5pm (AEDT) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Outplayed by Sydney FC last week, Wellington Phoenix missed a golden opportunity to break away from the chasing pack and it may come back to haunt Ernie Merrick’s side.
The normally potent Phoenix midfield was listless and lacking direction, with Dutchman Roly Bonevacia basically unsighted. With Michael McGlinchey back pulling the strings, Merrick has demanded more from this midfield.
Also returning for the home side are All Whites Louis Fenton, Michael Boxall, Tom Doyle and Tyler Boyd. But arguably it is the return of Socceroo flyer Nathan Burns, and his partnership with Fijian speedster Roy Krishna and the cunning Joel Griffiths, that could prove the difference between the two sides.
Melbourne were pushed all the way last week and it took two moments of individual brilliance from in-form playmaker Gui Finkler to get them over the line against the Mariners. However the Victory head across the ditch confident of reversing result from the last time these two sides met.
On that occasion the Phoenix twice came from behind to win 3-2 at AAMI Park and Victory veteran Leigh Broxham believes his side can rectify the “few silly mistakes” they made at the beginning of March:
“We know where we went wrong last time; there were a few silly mistakes. We were still able to create chances against them and obviously we could’ve defended a bit better so I think these things are easily rectified.”
Broxham is no certainty to retain his position in the starting line-up as coach Kevin Muscat welcomes back Jason Geria, Scott Galloway and Daniel Georgievski from international duty.
With top spot on offer, Muscat will give skipper Mark Milligan, who returned from international duty with a knee complaint, every opportunity to prove his fitness, which means Rashid Mahazi is likely to miss out.
Victory have a game in hand, so Merrick knows anything less than three points against his old team could spell the end of Wellington’s chances of holding the Premiers Plate aloft at season’s end. Join The Roar from 5pm (AEDT) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Ian
Guest
Agree with the above. As much as I like Archie his statements post match that they consider themselves to be the Manchester United of Australia are astoundingly entitled. They can't back it up. Only ever heard a couple of the worst MV fans describe themselves in that manner, but it looks like the club are the ones pushing it.
Gomez
Guest
One of the most pathetic blogs I have had the misfortune to read. If these "reporters" can't leave their bias out they shouldn't be doing the reporting!
billyelliott
Roar Guru
So that's it from Wellington and Melbourne thoroughly deserved the win, they outplayed Wellington in every facet and the Premiers Plate looks theirs to lose now. Wellington? Well what happened to Wellington? Flying high a fortnight ago but two home losses in two weeks has brought them back to the pack and Ernie Merrick will need to get his troops up for next week to reignite their run into the finals. Muscat will be happy with the performance as they suffocated the Wellington midfield and hit the top of the table. Thoughts go out to Joel Griffiths who from reports was sent straight to hospital for scans. Final score Wellington Phoenix 0 Melbourne Victory 3 Till next time.
AZ_RBB
Guest
As much as I hate them, hard to deny that they're a step above the rest.
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+4' Moss with two massive saves to deny the Victory a fourth. The first a thunderous volley from Kosta and then a follow-up from Khalfallah. THen he gives the AR an absolute serve. That's it in Wellington. KGJ blows full time. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+2 Somehow KGJ has seen a foul on Kosta and this could be a last chance for Melbourne to make it four. Finkler will deliver. Berisha able to get his head to it first but he directs his header wide. Moss to restart with a goal kick. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90' We'll see four minutes of added time to finish this one in Wellington. Time for a consolation for the Nix? Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
88' Game is winding down now, Bonevacia had a great chance for a consolation goal but Thomas was equal to it, pushing the ball wide for a Wellington corner. If I was Ernie, I'd be seeing if the Hutt Recreation Ground was available for games because Wellington's form at the Cake Tun the last two weeks has been ordinary. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
Certainly Melbourne's to lose now. Hopefully Brisbane can do everyone a favour and deny them because they play like an entitled bunch of school boys.
billyelliott
Roar Guru
86' Fenton is fouled by Delperierre. Bonevacia again delivers but it's well defended and Kosta looks to break for the visitors. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
84' Corner for Melbourne. Finkler delivers ... It's cleared from the near post and Phoenix come up with a throw-in and a change. Jason Hicks given an opportunity replacing an unsighted McGlinchey. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
AZ_RBB
Guest
Should be a cakewalk for MVFC now for the title. Can't see them dropping points again this season. Positions 2 to 5 now a real contest. I think it'll be 1. MVFC 2. Adelaide 3. SFC 4. Wellington 5. Perth
billyelliott
Roar Guru
83' Bonevacia with an absolute coach killer. Finkler deep in his own half, with his back to goal and the Dutchman just tries to go straight through him. Correctly judged to be a free kick for Melbourne. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
80' That just about sums up Phoenix's night. A certain goal cleared off the line by Georgievski. Burns had shot that beat Thomas but Georgievski was in the right place in the right time and scoops it clear. Georgievski getting treatment as is Milligan. Looks like Milligan has had enough and will be replaced. The Melbourne captain certainly taking his time getting off the pitch. Mahazi is his replacement. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
78' Game has really started to slow down now. Victory clearly believe they've done enough for the three points. Wellington would love a morale boosting goal as we head into the final ten minutes. Even the commentators have started to talk about next week and the week after. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
76' Free kick for Victory, Finkler delivers straight into the safe hands of Glen Moss. Wellington look a shadow of the side that leapt to the top of the table in the last two weeks. McGlinchey has been unsighted today as Melbourne have suffocated space in the middle of the park. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
74' Corner for Wellington, it misses everyone and heads out the opposite side for a Victory throw. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
74' Change for Victory, Thompson gets the seniors discount and will sit out the last 15 or so minutes on the bench. Barbarouses comes on to replace him. Phoenix 0 3 Victory
billyelliott
Roar Guru
Guilty of believing their own hype?
billyelliott
Roar Guru
71' Another chance for Wellington but Thomas saves well before Cunningham is found to be in an offside position. Victory have withheld the Phoenix charge in this second half and will no doubt kill off this game now. They'll finish the weekend on top. Phoenix 0 3 Victory