The final round of the A-League continues with what is essentially a dead rubber as the Wellington Phoenix play host to a Melbourne City outfit primed for the finals. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:35pm (AEST).
The Phoenix sit dead last and while they could still mathematically avoid the wooden spoon, they would also need the Mariners to lose this week against Newcastle if they were to finish in ninth rather than tenth.
Of course, in the grand scheme of things, the difference between ninth and tenth is essentially nothing and Wellington, despite what their players will tell the press, have nothing to play for as they end their season.
Regardless of the result tonight, City are going to be playing finals football next week, with their first match at home against what is likely to be, but not confirmed, the Western Sydney Wanderers. It’s imperative for City to somehow make sure they enter the finals in good form.
Having to travel back from Wellington is already a disadvantage in terms of preparation, and they could well take things easily tonight.
They have won three on the trot at this point, the former of those two in extremely convincing style against the Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners. It’s locked in their third-placed finish and the chance to avoid Sydney FC until the big dance.
Of course, the Phoenix have continued their battle through the second half of the season and it’s clear the club needs major changes next season. They lost to Melbourne Victory last week, but it caps off a run of five losses and a draw in their last six games, indicating their form is, if it’s even possible, getting worse.
Prediction
The Phoenix have been struggling all season, but even so, City will want to send a statement to the rest of the competition. They should pick up the win and move to the finals with a win under their belt.
Wellington 0 – Melbourne City 2.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this final round A-League match from 5:35pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
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