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The Western Sydney Wanderers were far too strong on the road for the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, running away with a 3-1 win.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Wellington Phoenix 1
Western Sydney Wanderers 3
The Wellington Phoenix host the Western Sydney Wanderers at Yarrow Stadium in round 18 of the A-League as both sides look to edge their way towards a finals berth. Join The Roar from 5:35PM (AEDT) for live scores.
Both sides find themselves in obscurity as we head towards the pointy end of the A-League season, however a victory in New Plymouth could see the victor move up into the all-important top six.
It’s been a season to forget for the Wanderers, who have won just one game since the last time they took on the Phoenix – on 17 December.
There’s a massive gulf between the top teams and the rest in the A-League this season, one which could see a stuttering side like the Wanderers of Phoenix sneak into the finals series.
Last time out, the Phoenix drew with last-placed Adelaide United and they’ll be looking for a markedly improved defensive performance after conceding two goals against the league’s least potent attack.
The Wanderers went down 2-1 to the Brisbane Roar in their last outing, and coach Tony Popovic will be expecting a big performance from his side as they look to mount an unlikely finals challenge.
The boys from Western Sydney have had the wood over their Kiwi opponents in the past, having won three of the last five meetings between the two – which also included a draw. However, the two have had similar seasons to this point and are split on the table by a solitary point.
Heading into this clash, the home side sit seventh on the ladder on 17 points while their Australian visitors reside in eighth on 18 points.
In team news, Adam Parkhouse returns to the first team squad for the Phoenix, who also welcome back Italian centre-back Marco Rossi from suspension. The Wanderers meanwhile, are without Mitch Nichols (not selected), Scott Neville (suspension) and Lachlan Scott (not selected).
While Shannon Cole, Steven Lustica, Bruno Pinateres, Aritz Borda and new signing Ryan Griffiths are all in the squad for this clash.
Prediction
This is primed to be a very tight game. The two sides have had almost identical seasons to this point and while the Phoenix have the home ground advantage, the Wanderers welcome big signing Ryan Griffiths to the fold.
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Western Sydney Wanderers
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