Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory Prediction & Betting Tips - A-League

Prediction published on 17/05/2024, 17:43  by Ian John in Football Predictions

Wellington Phoenix faces Melbourne Victory in the second leg of their A-League Championship playoff semi-final on Saturday (kick off 7.30am UK Time). After a hard-fought first game at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, the teams could not be separated and headed into this game after a 0-0 draw. That seems to hand Wellington the advantage, given that they have won their last six games at home and also ten of their 13 league games played at the Sky Stadium. That run included a narrow 1-0 win over today’s opponents in April. The winner will progress into the playoffs' final for a shot at the A-League Championship against either Sydney City FC or Central Coast Mariners.

Although Melbourne Victory could not establish a first-leg lead, this tie is far from over. Tony Popovic’s team have played four games against the Phoenix this season, drawing three and losing just once. All four of those games have been very tight, just as the first leg between the two was at the weekend. One issue that Victory will have to overcome is that they have won just one game in their last eight away matches, drawing five of those games and losing two. Victory have not won any of their last five games, losing two, drawing three. It will certainly be a tough test for the Big V to earn a place in the final, and given the closely contested nature of all four previous games between the two this season, extra time and penalties could come into contention.