Melbourne City vs Wellington Phoenix Predictions

Melbourne City come into this game protecting an unbeaten league record so far this season, after picking up wins over Adelaide United and Western United in recent weeks. The disappointment of their FFA Cup final loss to Adelaide hasn’t had a noticeable effect on their league form, with the hosts getting the most out of Jamie Maclaren’s superb form.

Wellington Phoenix, meanwhile, have not enjoyed the best of starts. They have failed to pick up a point so far with losses against Western United, Sydney FC and Perth Glory underlining the mammoth task ahead of Uruk Talay this season.

The hosts have seen their side score 4 goals so far this year, all 4 coming from Jamie Maclaren as he pursues the golden boot. But Melbourne City will have to do without the star striker for at least this weekend as he recuperates following picking up a hamstring strain against Western United a week ago. That could effect their goal-scoring potential but the squad looks to have enough quality to still come out of this one on top.

Wellington Phoenix have really struggled in the opening weeks of the season, scoring just twice and looking second best against all three of their opponents so far. The addition of Gary Hooper adds some much needed firepower to their ranks but he will have to hit the ground running to give his side a chance of a result here. The visitors have averaged just 4 shots on target per game so far as they struggle after losing both Roy Krishna and David Williams in the off season.

Melbourne City however have shown their ability to create chances since the opening day with 6 shots on target per game and 4 goals in their last 2. Their unbeaten run comes with the whole side looking confident and, despite losing Maclaren, we’re still confident that they should be comfortable victors in this match and we’re backing them to beat the Asian handicap line.

History sides with the hosts too, with Melbourne City winning 5 of the last 8 games between the two sides with Wellington coming out victorious in the other 3. Melbourne have also scored 15 goals in that time with some big wins helping them to some very comfortable victories over the years.

We think Melbourne City have enough quality throughout the side to produce a really good display and a 3-0 score line is the one we favour ahead of the match with Wellington Phoenix looking second rate for the most part.