Melbourne Victory enter this contest on the back of a mixed week.
They suffered a 1-0 defeat away to bogey side Newcastle last friday, before claiming an unconvincing FFA Cup semi-final win over Hume City on Wednesday.
Three points for Victory in Melbourne over Wellington was previously almost a certainty, before the Pheonix snatched a 3-2 win at AAMI Park late last season.
A debutant against Hume, Giancarlo Gallifuoco has been omitted from the squad, while Jason Geria and Scott Galloway are this week’s inclusions in the 18-man squad, with two players to be omitted.
Geria in particular is a good chance to start after scoring his maiden senior goal in the dying stages of the FFA Cup semi-final.
Victory will be trying to rectify their scoring woes in the league, netting all three season goals in the derby and going scoreless in their other two fixtures.
The action at Etihad Stadium however may play second fiddle to the narrative off the pitch, with uncertainty surrounding Wellington’s future in the competition after the FFA denied a 10 year license renewal while mulling over a third team in Sydney.
Key Battles
Gui Finkler vs Albert Riera
Gui Finkler has cut a frustrated figure at times this season, often appearing unhappy at the attention he’s received from his opposition. He’s been starved of space and time on the ball, looking less effective than he has in previous seasons. How Albert Riera deals with him may go a long way to determining the outcome of this contest, while with an Asian Champions League foreigner’s spot on the line, the Brazilian will want to make as big an impact as possible to push for his selection.
Roy Krishna vs Daniel Georgievski
Able to play anywhere along the front third, Roy Krishna has been one of Wellington’s most dangerous players this season, already netting twice in three games (and missing one penalty). If he’s on Georgievski’s wing, the fullback – who loves to get forward himself – will have to be mindful not to stray too far from his man, who is a threat when played in behind his man.
Predicted lineup
Bench: Thomas (GK), Mahazi, Galloway, Broxham, Makarounas
While Broxham is likely to start at CB, given his sub-par performance last week, where he was bailed out by Trifunovic’s profligacy in front of goal, the Corner Flag believes Deng would be a worthier starter.
Predicted result
A fired-up Wellington that believe the league should #SaveTheNix to pull off another 3-2 win.