Wellington Phoenix vs Western United – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Prediction | A-League 2021-22

David Ball of Wellington Phoenix and Victor Sanchez of Western United
David Ball of Wellington Phoenix and Victor Sanchez of Western United - IMAGO / Icon SMI

Another A-League game comes up this Friday as Wellington Phoenix welcomes Western United to Sky Stadium.

Venue: Sky Stadium (Wellington)

Key Statistics

Wellington Phoenix have lost just one of their last six home games (W4, D1).

They have failed to score in the nine games they have played so far this season. 

Western United have failed to score two of the eight games they have played so far this season. 

They have won just one of their last nine away games (D1, L7).

Head to head

In the seven meetings between both sides, Wellington Phoenix have been superior, winning five times (D1, L1).

Latest performances in all competitions

Wellington Phoenix: W-L-L-W-L

Western United: L-W-W-L-W

Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix will look to get off the bottom of the A-League table when they welcome Western United to the Sky Stadium.

The game represents the host’s seventh game of the season but is a 23rd Round game of the 2021 A-League season that was moved to this earlier date because of the scheduling chaos caused by Covid-19.

The hosts have won just one of their opening six games this season and find themselves rooted in bottom following Brisbane Roar‘s win over Perth Glory.

They have lost their last four league games, conceding 12 goals in those games while scoring just one goal. But they will fancy their chances of winning this game, considering their form against their visitors.

Possible Wellington Phoenix starting line-ups

Alex Paulsen; Sam Sutton, Joshua Laws, Tim Payne, Louis Fenton; Alex Rufer, Clayton Lewis, Reno Piscopo, Jaushua Sotirio; Ben Waine, David Ball.

Injured: None

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

Western United

A chance to go on top of the table beckons for Western United when they visit Wellington Phoenix.

The visitors are currently sitting in third place with 12 points after six games. They have won four of their opening six games, and are just two points behind first-placed Melbourne Victory having played a game less.

A win in this game will take them top of the table until the other top two teams play later. 

John Aloisi’s men were last in action on last year’s Boxing Day; a game that saw them lose 3-1 to Melbourne Victory. The result ended a four game-winning run for Aloisi’s side and also represented the first time they have conceded three or more goals in a game since their 6-1 loss to 6-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in May last year.

Despite their poor record against Wellington Phoenix, the visitors will be confident of winning this game given their decent record this season. 

Possible Western United starting line-ups

Jamie Young; Ben Garuccio, Leo Lacroix, Tomoki Imai, Josh Risdon; Steven Lustica, Neil Kilkenny; Connor Pain, Alessandro Diamanti, Lachlan Wales; Dylan Wenzel-Halls.

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Prediction

Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Western United