Match Preview & Analysis
Melbourne Victory Set to Extend Wellington Phoenix's Misery
The A-League is set to witness an exciting encounter as Melbourne Victory take on Wellington Phoenix at the AAMI Park on Monday, 29 December 2025. With both teams looking to improve their standings, this match holds immense importance in the context of the league. Melbourne Victory, having had a mixed run recently, will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a win. On the other hand, Wellington Phoenix will be seeking to bounce back from their inconsistent form and cause an upset. The stakes are high, and the teams will be giving it their all to emerge victorious.
Match Details
- Competition: Australia - A-League
- Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Kick-off: 08:00 UTC
- Referee: Shaun Evans, Australia
Current Form
Melbourne Victory's recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last eight matches resulting in DLWLLLDWW. Despite the inconsistency, they have shown glimpses of their potential and will be looking to build on their recent wins. On the other hand, Wellington Phoenix have struggled to find consistency, with their last eight matches resulting in DWDLLWLLW. They have had their moments but have been unable to sustain a winning run.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Melbourne Victory News: Melbourne Victory will be without the services of B. Hamill, F. Lino, and R. Piscopo due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, they are expected to field a strong lineup, with their predicted XI including their key players. The absence of these players will be a blow, but Melbourne Victory have the depth to cope with the losses.
Wellington Phoenix News: Wellington Phoenix have been hit hard by injuries, with D. Edwards, H. Ishige, N. Mileusnic, J. Oluwayemi, T. Payne, L. Supyk, and N. Walker all missing the fixture. This will severely impact their ability to field a strong team, and they will have to rely on their fringe players to step up. Their predicted XI will likely feature a mix of experienced and young players, and they will be hoping that their team can gel together quickly.
Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix suggests a closely contested rivalry. In their last meeting, Melbourne Victory emerged victorious, winning 3-2. This victory will give them confidence, and they will be looking to replicate the result. Wellington Phoenix, on the other hand, will be seeking to avenge their defeat and cause an upset.
Tactical Analysis
The match is expected to be a battle between Melbourne Victory's wingplay and Wellington Phoenix's low block. Melbourne Victory have been relying on their wingers to create scoring opportunities, and they will be looking to exploit Wellington Phoenix's defensive vulnerabilities. Wellington Phoenix, on the other hand, will be looking to absorb the pressure and hit Melbourne Victory on the counter. The key to the match will be how effectively Melbourne Victory can utilize their wingers and how well Wellington Phoenix can cope with the pressure.
Match Prediction
Based on the current form and team news, Melbourne Victory are expected to win the match. Despite their inconsistency, they have the depth and quality to overcome Wellington Phoenix's challenges. The predicted scoreline is a narrow victory for Melbourne Victory, with the match expected to be a closely contested affair. The double chance of Melbourne Victory or a draw is a safe bet, given the uncertainty surrounding the match. However, Melbourne Victory's home advantage and recent form make them the favorites to win the match.
Team Form
Melbourne Victory
Last 5: LLDWW
Wellington Phoenix
Last 5: LWLLW
Head to Head
Match Predictions
🏆 Winner: Melbourne Victory (Win or draw)
⚽ Goals: -1.5
🎯 Advice: Double chance : Melbourne Victory or draw