There’s a massive Wednesday in store with a blockbuster clash between the Phoenix and Sky Blues, two teams emerging as genuine title contenders in 2018/19.
There’s a massive Wednesday in store with a blockbuster clash between the Phoenix and Sky Blues, two teams emerging as genuine title contenders in 2018/19.
Wellington – coached by former Sydney FC favourite son Mark Rudan – are enjoying a nine-game unbeaten run, including Sunday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Melbourne Victory.
But it should prove a tough ask, especially considering Sydney FC’s strong patch of form since the last meeting between the two sides at Jubilee Stadium.
Since that match, Head Coach Steve Corica’s troops have lost just one of their last seven games and know they will leapfrog Victory into second spot if they can take maximum points in this one.
The match-up also sees the competition’s two leading strikers go head-to-head.
Phoenix striker Roy Krishna has joined Sydney FC’s Adam Le Fondre at the top of the scoring charts on 11 goals.
Key Opta stats
- Sydney FC are undefeated in their last six visits to Westpac Stadium to face Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League (W4, D2), including a 4-1 triumph in their most recent such fixture.
- The Phoenix have scored three or more goals in five of their last eight games and remain one of just two teams (Perth Glory) yet to lose a Hyundai A-League game in 2019.
- The Sky Blues have won three games this season after having conceded the opening goal of the game on the day, more than any other team in the Hyundai A-League.
Ins and outs
Sydney FC squad: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2.Aaron CALVER, 3. Ben WARLAND, 4.Alex WILKINSON, 6. Josh BRILLANTE, 7.Michael ZULLO, 8.Paulo RETRE, 9.Adam LE FONDRE, 10.Milos NINKOVIC, 11. Daniel DE SILVA, 13.Brandon O’NEILL, 14.Alex BROSQUE (c), 17. Anthony CACERES, 20.Alex CISAK (gk), 21.Charles LOKOLI-NGOY, 22.Siem DE JONG, 24.Cam DEVLIN, 31.Luke IVANOVIC.
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 6. Josh BRILLANTE (return from suspension), 8.Paulo RETRE (return from injury), 10.Milos NINKOVIC (return from illness).
Outs: 18.Jacob TRATT (groin – two weeks)
Unavailable: 5.Jop van der LINDEN (hamstring – 1 week), 12.Trent BUHAGIAR (ACL – indefinite), 19.Chris ZUVELA (knee – indefinite), 23. Rhyan GRANT (International Duty)
How to watch
#WatchWithUs LIVE on Fox Sports 505 and streamed live on the My Football Live App or join the Sky Blue faithful at our Official Home Away from Home at The Star, Sydney from 5:35pm (AEDT).
