Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix clash in a top four showdown in A-League Round 19 action on Friday.

Phoenix vs City kicks off at 5.00pm AEDT at Eden Park. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in Australia.

Prediction

Match Preview

City have won 10 of their last 14 games against Phoenix, but the Kiwi club has won their last three encounters in New Zealand – who emerges triumphant on Friday night across the ditch?

Since registering a club record nine-game unbeaten run in January, Wellington have lost two of their last three matches against Brisbane and Perth, with a narrow win over the last-placed Newcastle Jets their only victory since January 11.

Wellington were on the receiving end of a heavy 4-2 loss in last week’s ‘Distance Derby’ away to Perth and are now clinging onto fourth spot, level on points with Adelaide and just three ahead of seventh-placed Western United.

Another loss against City could leave Phoenix scrambling for a spot in the top six come next week.

After drawing with Perth and losing to Adelaide 3-1, City returned to the winners circle last week, claiming a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory, which also doubled as Erick Mombaert’s first derby win as manager.

With Sydney FC’s game against the Wanderers washed out due to wet weather and the Sky Blues receiving the bye this weekend, City have the chance to cut the gap at the top of the table to seven points if they win against Wellington.

City have dominated this match-up, but they haven’t got a good recent record across the Tasman, losing their last three encounters in New Zealand. Both teams have been up-and-down over the last month – perhaps a return home will spur Wellington to victory…

Match Odds

Melbourne City – $2.50
Wellington Phoenix – $2.80
Draw – $3.60

MORE MATCH ODDS FROM SPORTSBET

Stats

– City have won 10 of their last 14 meetings
– Wellington have won their last three encounters in New Zealand
– Phoenix are undefeated in their six matches at Eden Park

Tips