Preview: Wellington Phoenix vs. Melbourne Victory - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are looking to bounce back from a difficult defeat in their last outing, but could push to as high as third place with three points in this match.

Match preview

Wellington Phoenix have enjoyed a good season to this point, particularly at home where they have only lost twice to this point.

While they are undefeated in their previous four matches at the Wellington Regional Stadium, the team will be looking to respond to the defeat they suffered last weekend.

It was a game to forget for Ufuk Talay's men as they suffered a heavy 5-1 loss against Adelaide United where Alex Rufer's goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

It was a rare match for the team where Wellington Phoenix struggled to find the back of the net which has been unusual for them throughout this campaign.

That is something they will want to put right on Friday, especially since a win could see them climb into third place if other results go their way.

While Wellington Phoenix have the chance to put pressure on those above them, their opponents will be just as desperate to pick up three points.

With games currently running out for this campaign Melbourne Victory need to secure some positive results if they want to avoid finishing bottom this season.

Three points has the chance of turning things around for the club as they are just two points behind Brisbane Roar which gives the team plenty to fight for.

However Melbourne Victory have only won two games away from home this season and a big reason for that is due to their lack of goals, scoring just eight times on the road.

Despite that they do head into this one on the back of a win against Central Coast Mariners which should provide a lot of belief into the team.

Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

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Melbourne Victory Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Rufer should find himself in the starting lineup on Friday after scoring last weekend, especially since signing a new three-year contract with the company.

Clayton Lewis and Sam Sutton were both able to return to the matchday squad from injury in their most recent performance and after getting minutes off the bench they could push for a greater role this time around.

The visitors are going to be without Fernando Romero this weekend due to suspension which is a big blow considering his attacking qualities.

Melbourne Victory also have a variety of injury problems to contend with as Luis Nani, Jake Brimmer and Matt Bozinovski are all out of action.

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Elliot, Wootton, Laws, Sutton; Sasse, Rufer, Ugarkovic, Old; Ball, Barbarouses

Melbourne Victory possible starting lineup:

Izzo; Geria, Miranda, Da Silva, Cadete; Velupillay, Chapman, Brillante, Folami; Ikonomidis, Fornaroli

We say: Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Melbourne Victory

Wellington Phoenix might be the favourites heading into this one due to their league position, but with the visitors having secured a win last weekend and with more to fight for they could secure a point.

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