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Two of the A-League’s in-form teams meet at Sky Stadium as Wellington Phoenix host the Central Coast Mariners in a clash featuring two sides sitting inside the top four on the ladder. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1pm (AEDT).
After the most enthralling of wins over Sydney FC in Round 11 and a 1-0 conquering of the Roar last time out, Wellington return home fourth on the ladder and looking to move closer to second, the spot occupied by their opponents today.
With only the ladder-leading City having had their measure since the return from the World Cup break, Wellington have the results to suggest they are a serious contender as the season heads toward the business end.
Central Coast continue to inspire all A-League fans, with a stunning and exciting brand of football that has paid dividends against the best opposition the league has to offer.
Wins against Macarthur FC, Adelaide and Melbourne Victory in recent weeks have confirmed the credentials of Nick Montgomery’s men, with a spot in the finals almost certain based on their form and the threat they pose to City, potentially the most significant in the entire competition.
Team news sees Wellington welcome back two key men, with Bozhidar Kraev and Nicholas Pennington returning from suspension, with the squad looking fit, healthy and confident after an excellent recent run of form.
The Mariners have simply dismissed the departure of Garang Kuol, hardly missing a beat as the wins have continued to roll. They too look healthy and happy, with new signing Christian Theoharous available and likely to see some time off the bench in Wellington.
At different times in A-League history, the idea of the Phoenix and Mariners playing the match of the round would have been a tough thing to imagine, yet that is exactly what will play out in this one; two teams capable of scoring and destined to not die wondering in the hunt for another crucial three points.
Prediction
The Phoenix look like under-the-radar sneakers and the Mariners could well be ripe for the picking, with a loss certain to come sooner or later. A healthy crowd will aid the home side immensely and despite the fearless attacking style of the visitors, something tells me that Wellington will make a real statement with a gutsy home win.
3. Finn SURMAN, 5. Steven UGARKOVIC, 6. Tim PAYNE, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Ben OLD, 9. Oskar ZAWADA, 10. David BALL, 11. Bozhidar KRAEV, 12. Lucas MAURAGIS, 13. Nicholas PENNINGTON, 14. Alex RUFER, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 19. Sam SUTTON, 20. Oli SAIL (gk), 21. Joshua LAWS, 23. Clayton LEWIS, 24. Oskar VAN HATTUM, 31. Yan SASSE, 40. Alex PAULSEN (gk).
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Mariners
2. Thomas AQUILINA, 3. Brian KALTAK, 4. Joshua NISBET, 6. Maximilien BALARD, 7. Samuel SILVERA, 9. Jason CUMMINGS, 11. Beni NKOLOLO, 13. Harrison STEELE, 15. Storm ROUX, 18. Jacob FARRELL, 20. Daniel VUKOVIC (c) (gk), 21. Michael RUHS, 22. Cameron Windust 23. Daniel HALL, 24. Yaren SOZER (gk), 25. Nectarios TRIANTIS, 27. Sasha KUZEVSKI, 31. Christian THEOHAROUS, 90. Paul AYONGO, 98. MARCO TULIO
