Soccer
Competition: A-League
Market: Both teams to score
Odds: 2/3 @ Pribet
Two camps who find themselves scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the A-League standings, Wellington will welcome Melbourne Victory to the Sky Stadium on Friday morning.
Starting with the hosts, suffering a major collapse on home soil last weekend as they signed off January with a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against Melbourne City, Wellington are once again desperately searching for some much-welcomed stability. Despite suffering just a single defeat from their first five A-League showdowns since opening the New Year, Giancarlo Italiano’s men have failed to register consecutive victories so far this camp. Worried that they will once again spend the 2025/26 campaign scrapping it out at the foot of the A-League table, the Phoenix have also shown some extended defensive issues. Blown away against Newcastle on January 23rd as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat, Wellington have also failed to muster a single clean sheet at the Sky Stadium this season. It should also be highlighted, Italiano’s side were hit with a woeful 5-1 drumming when they travelled to AAMI Park for their most recent showdown against Friday’s hosts back on December 29th.
As for the visitors, although Melbourne might have signed off January with a sensational display as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against historic rivals Sydney, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Victory. Last seen putting in a toothless performance as they were hit with a 1-0 loss away at Central Coast, Arthur Diles’ men have lost three of their previous four A-League appearances and they have come under plenty of scrutiny this season. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat outside the play-off places, the Dark Blues have also gained a reputation for their extended issues on the road. Including a 2-1 defeat against Adelaide on January 17th, Melbourne have recorded just a sole win from their previous six matchups away from AAMI Park – a rut that stems back to the end of October. However, landing that remarkable 5-1 victory when they welcomed Wellington to town over the festive period, Diles’ side will be dreaming of a repeat display.
Bet: Both teams to score at Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory 2/3 for Friday’s A-League battle @ Pribet
Read MoreTom Dunstan