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

While the visitors are unable to overtake their opponents with a victory, three points could guarantee them a place in the finals series depending on other results.

Match preview

Western Sydney Wanderers head into this match on the back of two results without a defeat as they followed up a draw against Macarthur with a win last weekend.

The Wanderers left things late against Melbourne Victory as Amor Layouni came off the bench to score an 81st-minute winner.

The victory guaranteed that the club will be part of the final series as sixth place is the lowest that they can finish, with the final two matches of the regular season being all about gaining momentum.

Marko Rudan's men could still push a lot further in the league table as well, because winning the final two matches of the season could see them finish second if other results go their way.

Considering the fact only one team in the division have conceded more goals at home Western Sydney Wanderers should provide a stern defensive test for their opponents.

That is something that Wellington Phoenix will need to crack, because even though they are in fifth place right now they still could slip out of the top six overall.

Wellington Phoenix were able to share the points with Brisbane Roar last weekend in a 2-2 draw, although the 82nd-minute goal that they conceded was a frustrating finish.

However, after four games in a row without a victory there is plenty of room for improvement heading into the final two games of the main campaign.

Wellington Phoenix have only won three matches on the road this season and that is something that they will be hoping to deal with here.

The gap is small enough for the team to still wind up finishing in the bottom four which places further pressure onto the team, but the chances of reaching the finals series remains in their hands.

Western Sydney Wanderers Australian A-League form:

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Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Marcelo will be an option once again for Western Sydney Wanderers this week after he served his two-match suspension.

Layouni was only used as a substitute in their previous outing, but he was able to find the back of the net in that game which might earn him a place from the first whistle this time around.

Oskar Zawada continues to be one of the best attacking threats in the entire division after scoring once again for Wellington Phoenix during their recent draw, and he will lead the line again here.

Scott Wootton was brought straight back into the team last time out for the visitors after he returned from injury, and he should retain his place at the back this time around.

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Thomas; Simmons, Mrcela, Beadling, Traore; N'Gbakoto, Nieuwenhof, Schneiderlin, Amalfitano; Ninkovic, Borrello

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Wootton, Payne, Boxall, Sutton; Yan, Rufer, Ugarkovic, Kraev; Barbarouses, Zawada

We say: Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Wellington Phoenix

There is little between these teams in the league right now and that will likely be reflected in the match itself, but Western Sydney Wanderers should be able to edge things out.

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