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

Despite their superior league position, the visitors are without a win in their previous three matches.

Match preview

Western United currently find themselves 11th in the A-League, sitting just two points above the foot of the tale, which places them under further pressure heading into this match.

The Western Service Crew are without a win in their previous three matches, which is something that John Aloisi will want to see addressed this Friday.

The Western United manager was left frustrated last weekend after his team threw away a two-goal lead to lose the game against Adelaide United, conceding three times in the space of twenty minutes.

Despite that, the Western Service Crew do boast much stronger home form, picking up three of their four wins at the UTAS, which is something that they will look to continue on Friday.

However, the team will need to address their defensive frailties which have caused problems throughout the season as they have conceded more than any other team in the division.

On the other hand, the visitors have struggled when it comes to scoring goals away from home, with just eight in their seven matches so far in this campaign.

Wellington Phoenix are in a much stronger league position at the moment as they sit in sixth place, but a defeat on Friday could see them slip as low as ninth if other results go against them.

Considering the fact that they have failed to win their previous three matches, that will be a cause for concern heading into the match this time around.

Bozhidar Kraev managed to give the Nix a perfect start last weekend by scoring in the fourth minute of the game, but they were unable to hang onto that lead as they ended up losing 2-1 against Macarthur.

That followed a 3-1 loss in their previous outing against Melbourne Victory, with Wellington Phoenix now looking to put an end to this difficult period.

Western United Australian A-League form:

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D

W

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Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

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D

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Team News

Connor O'Toole was handed a debut in Western United's most recent performance, and the left-back will be hoping to try and retain his place team this time around.

There was another chance at the back in that match as Leo Lacroix was also brought in, and that is something that could take place again to try and provide stability.

Having scored eight goals already this season Oskar Zawada has been the danger man for Wellington Phoenix, and he will be sure to lead the line, likely alongside David Ball.

Kosta Barbarouses missed out in their most recent match due to injury, which could lead to him being unavailable once again, but Tim Payne was welcomed back following his suspension which provides a boost to the team.

Western United possible starting lineup:

Young; Imai, Lacroix, O'Toole, Risdon; Kilkenny, Doumbia; Wales, Troisi, Pain; Botic

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Elliot, Laws, Surman, Mauragis; Ball, Lewis, Kraev, Rufer; Ball, Zawada

We say: Western United 1-1 Wellington Phoenix

Neither of these teams is in particularly strong form right now, and simply avoiding defeat is likely something that they will be hoping for.

With that in mind, it would not be a surprise to see the two teams battle out a draw here to try and steady their seasons.

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