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In a clash between teams from opposite ends of the league table, 11th-placed Perth Glory will lock horns against second-placed Wellington Phoenix at the CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
This will be the final match of the inaugural edition of A-League's 2023-24 Unite Round.
Glory lost 3-2 at home to league leaders Melbourne Victory last week. Adam Taggart had given them the lead in the 20th minute and Kaelan Majekodunmi equalized in the 89th minute after Victory had overturned the deficit.
Late drama ensued as Ben Folami bagged the match-winner in the sixth minute of injury time to pull off a win for Melbourne Victory.
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Phoenix are winless in their last two league outings and played out a 2-2 draw against Adelaide United last week. Hiroshi Ibusuki bagged a brace for Adelaide while Kosta Barbarouses scored twice for Phoenix.
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths 50 times across all competitions since 2007. They are evenly matched in these meetings with 20 wins apiece and 10 games ending in draws.
- The two teams contest 'The Distance Derby' and not only are they evenly matched in terms of wins but both teams have scored 70 goals apiece in these meetings as well.
- Last season, the two A-League meetings between them ended in stalemates. They met in October earlier this season, with Wellington Phoenix recording a 2-1 home win.
- Perth Glory have just one win in their last eight league outings. Interestingly, they have scored at least two goals in five of their last six games. On the flip side, they have conceded at least two goals in their last eight league games.
- Both teams have scored 18 goals in 11 league games thus far. Phoenix have the joint-best defensive record in the A-League, conceding 12 goals.
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix Prediction
Glory have just two wins in the A-League this season and have lost seven of their 11 league games thus far. They have scored 12 goals in their last six league games and will look to continue their goalscoring form here. Nonetheless, they have conceded 16 goals in that period, so their poor defensive form is a cause for concern.
They are winless in their last eight meetings against the Phoenix, suffering five defeats. Head coach Alen Stajcic has a selection dilemma ahead of the derby as Mark Beevers is out with a knee injury while Adam Zimarino remains a long-term absentee. Bruce Kamau will serve a suspension after his red card last week.
The Yellow Army have seen a drop in form recently and are winless in their last two league games. They were unbeaten in their first six league games of the season but have lost two of their last five games. Nonetheless, they have a good record against Glory, scoring at least two goals in six of their last eight meetings.
Oskar Zawada is a key absentee for head coach Giancarlo Italiano but as his team play after a 10-day hiatus, they should be well-rested.
With that in mind and considering Wellington Phoenix's better record in recent games in this fixture, we back them to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Perth Glory 1-2 Wellington Phoenix
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Wellington Phoenix to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Adam Taggart to score or assist any time - Yes
