Phoenix faces A-League Champions

After a dissapoint 1-0 defeat against Western United at home last weekend, Wellington Phoenix travels to Sydney to challenge the current A-League champions at Leichhart Oval, 20th October, 8pm NZT.

It is not going to be an easy task for the New Zealand-based club if they want to avoid two defeats in the starting two matches of the 2019/20 season. Sydney FC counts with the power of All Whites member and former Wellington Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses. Barbarouses recently had a stellar season playing for Melbourne Victory in 2018/19 scoring 15 times and providing four assists.

Surely Barbarouses will not be the only threat that Phoenix will need to deal with: the English striker Adam le Fondre has a very good last season for Sydney and already scored a double in his first match at A-League 2019/20. The Sky Blues will also count with the tallented midfielders Alexander Baumjohann and Milos Ninkovic to complete their offensive firepower.

Defensively Sydney has also plenty of quality: the Socceroos Andrew Redmayne (goalkeeper) and Rhyan Grant (right back). The team also counts with the experience of former Australia National Team players Alex Wilkinson and Ryan McGowan.

Although Sydney has a plenty of options in their squad, the current Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay had worked with Steve Corica – Sydney FC head coach – as his assistant in their succesful season. The knowledge of the new Phoenix coach can help the Nix to hold the Sky Blues quality.

Phoenix recently signed the marquee striker Gary Hooper with a move that hopes to be crucial for the team in the new season. Hooper is still not available for the Sydney FC clash and is expected to start his Phoenix career next weekend at Westpac Stadium against the current A-League premiers Perth Glory. Despite the not possible debut of the former Celtic, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday striker, Talay can count with his full squad.

Phoenix will hope to see an inspired Ulisses Dávila to help them to secure a good result after the defeat at home against Western United FC. You can watch the clash at SkySports and MyFootball Channell at 8pm NZT.