Melbourne City
2
Match Complete
Wellington Phoenix
2
| T. Lam |  | 92' | ||
| 90' |  | K. Barbarouses | ||
| 83' |  | C. Elliot | ||
| 79' | | S. Sutton | ||
| C. Talbot | | 77' | ||
| T. Lam | | 63' | ||
| 50' | | N. Pennington | ||
| A. O'Neill | | 41' | ||
| T. Gomulka | | 40' | ||
| M. Tilio | | 34' | ||
| J. Maclaren | | 16' | ||
| 15' | | T. Payne |
| 9 | Shots | 10 | ||
| 3 | On Target | 3 | ||
| 22 | Fouls | 8 | ||
| 5 | Corners | 4 | ||
| 0 | Offsides | 2 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 4 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
Melbourne City’s fabulous start to the A-League season comes under scrutiny at AAMI Park this evening when they face Wellington Phoenix. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEDT).
A Melbourne Derby victory last weekend, a convincing win in Brisbane without getting out of second gear and down to ten men, and a win against the champions, all adds up to a strong start to the 2022/2023 season for Patrick Kisnorbo’s star-studded squad.
They have Socceroos quality throughout their ranks, and the two wide men in their defence in Jordan Bos and Callum Talbot who have revelled in the offensive side of their respective games already this season.
City have attacking options across the park, and it is this many-pronged weapon that is their undeniable strength.
The Phoenix come into this game on the back of two creditable home draws with Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners, but were undone by a flowing Newcastle Jets in their first away game last week, a result which may not look too bad as the season unfolds.
In Bulgarian Bozhidar Kraev they have a midfielder who can make things happen out of nothing, and we should see the return of Brazilian Yan Sasse, who was unfortunate to miss two games after his slip led to a red card in the season opener.
If Phoenix can get Kosta Barbarouses and Ben Waine linking up, they certainly do have the quality to cause an upset here.
Melbourne City have dominated this encounter over the journey; we have to go back nine years to find a Phoenix win in Melbourne against City. If Wellington allow the home team to dictate the play, this could be a tough evening for Ufuk Talay’s men.
However, this is the A-League, this is football: anything can happen, and that’s why we love it.
Prediction
A goalless first half will frustrate City, but they will pick off their opponents with persistent attacking in the second half to win comfortably.
Game information
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 5pm (AEDT)
Streaming: Paramount+
Betting: Melbourne City $1.55, Draw $4.10, ,Wellington Phoenix $5.50 – odds via PlayUp
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Game of the round, 2nd half end to end stuff!!! Go u Nixs!!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Already had one but might reach for a second coldie :unhappy:
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I didn’t mention PK but maybe you just have.
Texi
Roar Rookie
I don't think there's too much to worry about. Such a strong forward line, but out-thought by Talay.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
There is something not right with City. In the last three games the team scored 2 goals before half time and failed to score in the second half. Including the win against a 10 man Victory. Trouble has been brewing and this game just brought that to the surface. We might be top of the ladder but we’re going to be found out just like tonight.
Joshua Makepeace
Roar Rookie
I picked the right half to watch didn't I? I woke up (I live in England) and saw that this game was on so I thought I might as well tune in for the last 45. Right decision.
Texi
Roar Rookie
Bon appetit
Texi
Roar Rookie
Wasn't it marvellous? Great to have you along for the ride in a mad second half.
Texi
Roar Rookie
From the flames. Brilliantly done.
Garry
Roar Rookie
The Great Escape..a very good movie!! :stoked:
Texi
Roar Rookie
You didn;t tip City did you? Like 99.95% of the population?
Texi
Roar Rookie
You called it!
Texi
Roar Rookie
Your crystal ball is working well.
Texi
Roar Rookie
We should be refs.
Brendan
Roar Pro
The Happy Meal will have to wait. Might need a few beers, though.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Let’s hope Arnie watched all the games this weekend. The Socceroo’s selection awaits.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Thanks, Texi. I thought about not tuning-in for the second period, on the assumption City would run away with it. Glad I came back.
Texi
Roar Rookie
FULL TIME ! What a second half. Melbourne City's dominance in the first half was brushed aside and Phoenix rolled their dice perfectly and brought on the right personnel at the right time to claw this back. Had Lewis scored withthe last kick of the game, it would not have been out of place. Thanks for joining the Roar for this A-League cracker to bring this exciting and controversial round to a close. Can't wait for next week. Melbourne City 2 Wellington Phoenix 2
hog
Roar Rookie
Well me of little faith :happy: Go Nix
Stevo
Roar Rookie
That’s put me off my dinner tonight.