Verdict: Sydney FC win
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Hoping to find a route to the top of the A-League table on Sunday morning, Sydney will welcome Wellington to the Allianz Stadium.
Sydney FC
Starting with the hosts, coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last season as they eventually had to settle for an infamous bottom-half finish among Australia’s elite, Ufuk Talay’s side have made a string of improvements this time around. Knowing that they can skyrocket their way to the top of the A-League table this weekend, the Sky Blues have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine title charge this time around. Last seen putting in a dominant display as they stormed their way to an emetic 3-0 romp away at Macarthur, Sydney will be dreaming of a repeat performance on Sunday morning. Likewise, Talay’s side have also gained a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. In fact, the Australian heavyweights have won their previous three straight showdowns at the Allianz Stadium by an aggregate score of 7-0.
Sydney FC Team News
Once again missing out away at Macarthur last weekend with a reported hamstring issue, Sydney are once again sweating over the fitness of former Nottingham Forest star Joe Lolley. However, ahead of Sunday’s showdown, the Sky Blues don’t have any new injury concerns and have reported a clean bill of health.
Bagging a third A-League strike of the season last weekend, summer recruit and one-time Real Madrid youngster Victor Bonilla will lead the line here. Fellow new arrival and ex-Benfica starlet Paul Okon-Engstler will start in the middle of the park.
Wellington Phoenix
As for the visitors, spending the whole of the 2024/25 campaign scrapping it out at the foot of the A-League standings, Wellington are simply hoping for smoother sailing this time around. However, despite making a second-half comeback last weekend as they eventually snatched a thrilling 2-2 stalemate at home against Adelaide, Giancarlo Italiano’s men have continued to show some major inconsistencies. Signing off 2025 with a nightmare 5-1 drumming at the hands of Melbourne Victory, Wellington will certainly face another stern examination here. It should also be highlighted, the Phoenix have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous nine trips to Sydney – a run that stems all the way back to December 2018.
Wellington Phoenix Team News
Missing out away at Brisbane last weekend after serving a one-match suspension, Carlo Armiento will return to Wellington’s travelling squad here. However, both still dealing with respective injury issues, the Phoenix will be unable to call upon the duo of Hideki Ishige and academy graduate Luke Supyk.
Suddenly thrust into the limelight over the festive period, 18-year-old Eamonn McCarron will start between the sticks here. Veteran midfielder and one-time Koln star Kazuki Nagasawa will start in the middle of the park and partner Lebanon international Rams Najjarine.
Key Factors to Consider
- Sydney have lost just one of their previous nine home fixtures against Wellington – a run that stems back to December 2018.
- The Sky Blues have won all of their previous three straight showdowns at the Allianz Stadium by an aggregate score of 7-0.
- Sydney have recorded a clean sheet in three of their previous four appearances.
- Despite recording a 3-0 win away at Brisbane earlier in the month, that is the only away victory that Wellington have recorded this season.
- Five of the previous seven meetings between Sydney and Wellington have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Looking to skyrocket their way to the top of the A-League table on Sunday morning, Sydney will be hopeful of making another domestic statement here. Last seen putting in a dominant display as they stormed their way to an emetic 3-0 romp away at Macarthur, the Sky Blues should also be excited by their extended success on home soil. Winning each of their previous three straight A-League showdowns at the Allianz Stadium by an aggregate score of 7-0, Talay’s title contenders are rightfully installed as a standout contender this weekend. Likewise, losing just one of their last nine home meetings against Wellington, we are expecting a similar outcome at the Allianz Stadium.
Verdict: Sydney FC win
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
