Wellington Phoenix take on Sydney FC on Saturday morning, with the home side looking to overcome the odds in order to earn just a second league victory of the campaign in Australia. However, with their opponents currently sitting at the top of the A-League standings, it promises to be a tough 90 minutes for the hosts.
Australian A-League – Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC – Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington – Saturday 23rd December – 07:35 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 10/3 at William Hill |
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Wellington Phoenix
Sydney FCMatch Preview
Top of the table takes on bottom in Australia this weekend when Sydney FC take on the Wellington Phoenix, with the duo having recorded extremely different starts to the campaign. Managers Darije Kalezić and Graham Arnold will be going head to head at the Westpac stadium, with both teams requiring three points for different reasons. Wellington are already four points behind the Brisbane Roar in ninth, while Sydney can consolidate their position at the top of the table with three points. For those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off, be sure to check out our top tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Wellington Phoenix Team News & Form
The home side come into this clash off the back of a narrow away defeat at Perth Glory, there sixth defeat of the campaign already. Phoenix have the worst defensive record in the league having conceded 21 goals in 10 matches, with the pressure starting to build on manager Kalezic. The hosts do not have any star names to call upon in their playing squad, with the likes of Andrija Kaluđerović and Dario Vidosic among their biggest attacking threats. Phoenix have earned just four points from their last five A-League outings.
Sydney FC Team News & Form
Sydney FC have won their last five A-League matches, as well as nine of their 11 matches in total. As a result, Arnold’s men have established a two point lead over closest rivals the Newcastle Jets, as well as still having a game in hand. Striker Bobo has scored seven of his teams 23 goals so far this season, while the visitors have the best defensive record in the division, having conceded just nine goals. Milos Ninkovic is another standout player for Sydney, who are a team capable of beating anyone on their day.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 35 times in the past, with Sydney FC having won 18 of such meetings, as well as registering four draws. Sydney earned four points from their two meetings last season, including a narrow 3-2 win in front of their home fans.
Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC – Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their standing in the table, it comes as little surprise that it is Sydney FC who are the firm favourites to claim all three points with the bookmakers. Those looking to back the visitors for victory can take advantage of odds of 9/2 with William Hill, while the hosts are available at odds of 8/15 with Skybet.
Top Betting Tip Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on their being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds 13/20 ahead of kick-off at William Hill.