Preview: Sydney FC vs. Wellington Phoenix - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, failed to start 2023 off on a positive note after losing to Melbourne City, so they will be seeking to make amends here.

Match preview

Sydney FC kicked off the new year with a 2-0 win on the road against Newcastle Jets, courtesy of first-half goals from Adam Le Fondre and Robert Mak.

That victory lifts Steve Corica's side into sixth place in the Australian A-League table, with 13 points amassed after 10 games, a point above the chasing pack in the race for the final playoff spot.

The cause for concern for Sydney, however, is their form in front of their own fans. The Sky Blues have only won once at home so far this season, which was the 2-1 victory over Melbourne City on December 10.

Corica may see this match as an opportunity to improve that record, as they are facing a Wellington Phoenix side that have been underwhelming to say the least on their travels - they are yet to win away from home.

Meanwhile, Wellington Phoenix's three-match unbeaten run came to an end in their 3-1 defeat to Melbourne City last time out at Wellington Regional Stadium.

A second-half penalty from the league's leading scorer Jamie Maclaren ultimately decided the game before he completed his brace in the closing moments, after Mathew Leckie's header cancelled out David Ball's opening strike.

The Yellow Army currently sit ninth in the standings, although they could leapfrog their opponents this weekend with a victory, and they could propel themselves into a playoff spot providing other results go their way.

Ufuk Talay's side are yet to win away from home, and have only picked up two points from a possible nine on the road, so this would be a good time to secure their first away victory of the campaign.

Sydney FC Australian A-League form:

L

L

W

L

L

W

Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

W

L

D

W

D

L

Team News

Sydney's Joe Lolley could return to the side after serving a one-game suspension for his red card against Macarthur FC.

Adam Le Fondre has scored three goals in seven appearances so far in the A-League, so he looks likely to lead the line here.

As for the visitors, Oskar Zawada has netted three times in his most recent five appearances, and the Polish forward could get on the scoresheet again this weekend.

Scott Wootton has been a stalwart in the Wellington Phoenix defence this season, playing every minute so far in the A-League, so he looks likely to retain his place for Saturday's trip to Sydney.

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:

Redmayne; Grant, Donachie, Rodwell, Caballo; Burgess, Retre, Caceres, Brattan, Mak; Le Fondre

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Elliot, Wootton, Payne, Mauragis; Yan Sasse, Lewis, Ugarkovic, Kraev; Ball, Zawada

We say: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington Phoenix

We think Wellington Phoenix's woes away from home will continue here.

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