Adelaide United and the Wellington Phoenix fought out a 2-all draw on Sunday afternoon.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Adelaide United 2
Wellington Phoenix 2
Last year’s champions Adelaide United will be desperate for a win against the visiting Wellington Phoenix as the two sides clash in this twilight fixture. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm AEDT.
For the defending champions it seems all but pride is on the line for them in the 10 rounds that are left to play this season. They have just two wins and 10 points to their name and are eight points away from finals contention, however after last year it would be premature to rule them out completely.
Wellington continue to improve, and it looks like they will fight it out with the Wanderers and Jets for the final spot in the six.
Just goal difference separates these two sides as we head into the closing stages of the season.
This game will come down to whether the Reds can slow down Fijian flyer Roy Krishna, who leads the Phoenix in goals scored and assists this season.
However with the arrival of Shane Smeltz adding extra firepower in the front line, some of the pressure has been taken off of Krishna’s shoulders.
Adelaide United go into this game without a natural striker after ending Sergi Guardiola’s loan term short. Marcelo Carrusca is also out with injury.
Ryan Kitto, George Mells and Jesse Makarounas have all been promoted, and Nikola Mileusnic makes his return from injury.
For Wellington Marco Rossi misses this through suspension while Dylan Fox and Matthew Ridenton have travelled with the team.
If there is to be some positivity for United heading into this game it is their head-to-head record with Wellington. Adelaide have dominated the fixture, with 15 wins with Wellington just winning eight from 30 games played.
Prediction
This game could honestly go either way, but the Phoenix look like they have too much strike power for the Reds and I am tipping them to win comfortably.
Phoenix 2-0
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm AEDT.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Fox ratings: 56k Second highest for the day. Beating two episodes of NCIS and Ratatouille, but falling to the movie: London has fallen, which rated 102k.
Franko
Guest
Given it was 38 degree's and 75% of Hindmarsh is uncovered, against a very low drawing side and sitting bottom of the table we ought to be celebrating anyone turned up at all!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Attendance: 8,313
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
A decent game given the heat, though how Adelaide didn't score more is beyond me. It almost defied physics.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'Full Time REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Well in an exciting game it's a draw, both sides had their chances to claim this game, but it has finished all square. Thank you for your company.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90+6 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 A massive chance for the Nix but it looks like this game is going to end in a draw!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90+4 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 McGree waiting for the ball to drop but hits it high over the bar.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90+1 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 McGowan attempts a bicycle kick but he doesn't quite connect.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Hold onto your hats, seven added minutes. As McGree earns his side a corner.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'89 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Cirio now wih a huge chance bu his shot is wide of the post. Two chances gone begging.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'88 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 These sides look spent, Wellington with the spare man aren't playing all that smart, now a good ball in across the Adelaide goal. They are really just hanging on for a draw here, but Mileusnic is there on the counter but his shot is right at Moss.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'84 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Hit straight at Moss, he saved that well.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'82 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Smeltz had a chance, but he couldn't control it, will be interesting to see how the Nix go with their man advantage, but now Mileusenic is fouled on the edge of the box, could the Reds snatch it here as Doyle goes into the box.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'81 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Kitto is now going to come off, looks like Adelaide may have to play with a man down.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'80 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Kitto is cooked and Adelaide are out of subs!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'80 REDS 2 vs NIX 2 Thumped off the woodwork, and it's tapped home by Mileusenic!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
That goal was coming!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'79 REDS 1 vs NIX 2 Reds now get a free kick on the edge of the box, they have come out with some gusto after the drinks break. Kitto is moving gingerly.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'75 REDS 1 vs NIX 2 The corner flag has snapped in half haha. It's all fixed now, La Rocca gets a chance, a beautiful ball comes to him as the Nix wish it dead over the goal line, but La Rocca's shot crashes off the bar and that will be drinks.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'74 REDS 1 vs NIX 2 Time running out for the Reds, we will have another drinks break soon, if they win this the Phoenix will move into fifth spot on the ladder.