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Melbourne City’s fabulous start to the A-League season comes under scrutiny at AAMI Park this evening when they face Wellington Phoenix. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEDT).
A Melbourne Derby victory last weekend, a convincing win in Brisbane without getting out of second gear and down to ten men, and a win against the champions, all adds up to a strong start to the 2022/2023 season for Patrick Kisnorbo’s star-studded squad.
They have Socceroos quality throughout their ranks, and the two wide men in their defence in Jordan Bos and Callum Talbot who have revelled in the offensive side of their respective games already this season.
City have attacking options across the park, and it is this many-pronged weapon that is their undeniable strength.
The Phoenix come into this game on the back of two creditable home draws with Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners, but were undone by a flowing Newcastle Jets in their first away game last week, a result which may not look too bad as the season unfolds.
In Bulgarian Bozhidar Kraev they have a midfielder who can make things happen out of nothing, and we should see the return of Brazilian Yan Sasse, who was unfortunate to miss two games after his slip led to a red card in the season opener.
If Phoenix can get Kosta Barbarouses and Ben Waine linking up, they certainly do have the quality to cause an upset here.
Melbourne City have dominated this encounter over the journey; we have to go back nine years to find a Phoenix win in Melbourne against City. If Wellington allow the home team to dictate the play, this could be a tough evening for Ufuk Talay’s men.
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However, this is the A-League, this is football: anything can happen, and that’s why we love it.
Prediction
A goalless first half will frustrate City, but they will pick off their opponents with persistent attacking in the second half to win comfortably.
Game information
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 5pm (AEDT)
Streaming: Paramount+
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Betting: Melbourne City $1.55, Draw $4.10, ,Wellington Phoenix $5.50 – odds via PlayUp
