Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Tips & Predictions - Auckland to complete clean sweep of Kiwi rivals

Andrew Hendrie

Editor

Last updated: Wed. 19 Feb. 2025 00:46

Andrew Hendrie 19 Feb. 2025

Share this article

Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix predictions for Saturday's A-League game
Auckland have won both previous meetings this season
Auckland are on a three-game winning streak
Wellington have won just two of their last 11 games
The match is scheduled for kick off at 3.00pm AEDT on Saturday February 22

Expired

Auckland host Wellington on Saturday (Photo by Getty Images)

Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Tips & Predictions

Auckland FC will be targeting a third win over Wellington Phoenix this season when the two teams square off in the Kiwi Clasico on Saturday at Go Media Stadium.

Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Tips & Predictions
Head To Head
Auckland FC Form
Auckland FC Team News
Wellington Phoenix Form
Wellington Phoenix Team News

It's been a dream debut season for Auckland FC and I'm backing them to register a third victory over Wellington to maintain their spot at the top of the table. While Auckland are flying, Phoenix are languishing down in 10th spot on the ladder, managing just two wins from their last 11. Auckland bring a three-game winning streak into this encounter and with the best defence in the competition, they look decent value to keep a clean sheet in victory too.

Auckland have won both previous meetings this season
Auckland have won 11 of their 16 games, winning the last three on the bounce
Wellington have won just two of their last 11 games
Auckland have conceded just 12 goals in 16 games this season

Head To Head

Auckland prevailed 2-0 in Wellington back in Round 3 and doubled down with a 2-1 triumph at home in Round 7.

Auckland FC Form

Auckland couldn't have asked for a better start to life in the A-League, coming into Round 20 flying high at the top of the ladder, winning 11 of their 16 games and losing just twice.

Steve Corica's side are also equipped with the best defence in the competition, leaking just 12 goals in their 16 outings.

Auckland are back to some of their best form heading into this encounter, winning their last three games against the Wanderers (1-0), Macarthur (2-1) and in-form Western United 2-0.

Auckland FC Team News

Big boost for Auckland ahead of this clash with key midfielder Louis Verstraete returning from suspension.

Wellington Phoenix Form

There's certainly been better times to be a Phoenix fan - they are down in 10th position on the ladder and have to watch their 'little brothers' dominate the league in their debut season.

After making the finals last season, Wellington have struggled considerably this term, winning just five of their 16 games. They will need huge improvement over the coming months if they are to repeat their finals showing.

Phoenix have won just two of their last 11 games, with their last two matches resulting in a 1-1 home draw with last-placed Brisbane and a 1-0 defeat against Melbourne Victory.

Wellington Phoenix Team News

Good chance for new signing and former Sporting Lisbon midfielder Francisco Geraldes to make his debut for Wellington here.

Verdict

Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix

Auckland come into this clash on a three-game winning streak and prevailed in both Kiwi derbies earlier in the season, while Phoenix are down in 10th on the ladder with just two wins from their last 11 games.

With the best defence in the league, Auckland can register a shut-out victory at home to remain top of the ladder.