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

The visitors are currently one place behind their opponents in sixth place right now in the A-League table, having the chance to leapfrog them after this game.

Match preview

Wellington Phoenix picked up three points last weekend after defeating Newcastle Jets with two goals in the first half securing the result.

Callan Elliot and Oskar Zawada both got on the scoresheet to take all three points, and that helped the club climb into fifth place with only goal difference separating them and Central Coast Mariners right now.

The team will now be pushing to place even more pressure on them this weekend with another positive result, potentially extending their unbeaten run to four games.

At home the Nix have only been defeated twice this season scoring 20 goals in the process to showcase their attacking qualities.

Wellington Phoenix were able to secure three points the last time when they faced Sydney FC in a game where just a single goal proved to be the difference maker.

The visitors will be hoping to put that behind them this weekend, particularly since they can overtake their opponents with a victory here.

After securing a win last weekend against Melbourne Victory that is something they will have full belief in repeating.

Anthony Caceres scored the only goal of that match, with the defensive side of the result being even more impressive considering Max Burgess ended up getting sent off.

Away from home the visitors have typically struggled for consistency, drawing just once while winning five and losing four of their other matches.

However, the majority of Sydney FC's wins have taken place on the road, and that is something that should give them confidence of repeating here.

Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

D

L

L

W

D

W

Sydney FC Australian A-League form:

W

W

W

D

L

W

Team News

Elliot scored his first goal for Wellington Phoenix last weekend and that is something that could lead to him starting again this time around.

Zawada is someone else who should feature in this game after scoring 11 goals throughout this campaign, making him one of the key attacking threats.

The visitors will miss Burgess this time around as his suspension commences following his recent red card, forcing at least one change to the team that defeated Melbourne Victory last time out.

His absence could provide an opening for Jack Rodwell to start after he returned to the team from the bench last time out.

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

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

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:

Redmayne; Brattan, Donachie, Wilkinson, Caballo; Caceres, Brattan, Parsons; Lolley, Mak; Wood

We say: Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Sydney FC

There is very little to split these two teams right now in the A-League, and that is something that could be reflected with the result.

Seeing them battle out to a draw would not be a surprise as both teams will likely be quite cautious in this one.

Previews by email