Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory: Round 13 Preview

I’m here in Wellington looking forward to tomorrow night’s clash between the Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix.

I can’t wait.

Here we have the Victory, with a solid three point lead at the top of the table, playing the Phoenix, who scored back-to-back wins for the first time in their history. Granted, they won the second against a 9-man Newcastle Jets side, but the wins have brought them to 15 points, just two behind fourth-placed Central Coast Mariners. A win tomorrow night and some lucky results in the other fixtures this weekend, and the Phoenix may be in the top 4. Another first?

What’s more, they have Fred to do it with. Fred, the little Brazilian who was so sorely missed after he left the Melbourne for greener pastures in the MLS, has signed on with Wellington for a six-week stint. If he can ignite the Phoenix the way he did the Victory in season 2, a finals spot is well within grasp of the New Zealanders.

Melbourne, meanwhile, has a commanding lead at the top of the table but has three matches away from home, against the current numbers 6, 7 and 8 on the table. The Victory has already proved itself to be a class above two of its upcoming opponents (5-0 against the Newcastle Jets and 4-0 against the Perth Glory), and I believe that if they perform as well as they have been, they will be able to pick up wins against all three.

But tomorrow night is shaping up to be a very interesting match. How much will Fred invigorate his new A-League side? Will the Victory defence be able to contain his threat, as well as the ever-dangerous Shane Smeltz?

My tips for the weekend:

• Melbourne Victory to thump the Wellington Phoenix. I’m tipping a two goal win, but expect goals from both teams.
• Sydney FC to lose to Queensland Roar. Sydney appear to be in all sorts of trouble at the moment, and if Queensland can echo last week’s second half performance against the Glory, they’ll take home three points.
• Perth Glory to beat Central Coast Mariners. Perhaps not the wisest tip, but it’s coming down to the wire for the Glory. They’ve put in a few good games this season, and I’m hoping they have one this weekend again.
• Newcastle Jets to draw with Adelaide United. Last year’s Grand Final winners are propping up the table with Perth and need a win, but I don’t see it happening this weekend.

ps. Any fellow Victory fans in Wellington to see the game, let me know. I’ll buy you a beer.