South Melbourne vs Wellington Phoenix Tips - South Melbourne to fall at the hands of Wellington Phoenix in the Australia Cup

Wellington Phoenix return to the football field for the first time since their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in the A-League semi-finals back in May. 

This will be the first meeting between the two sides. 

South Melbourne went all the way against the Oakleigh Cannons in their last outing as they secured silverware by triumphing on penalties in the Dockerty Cup. 

That win will have boosted their confidence massively, but the physical and emotional toil of playing in a match that went all the way will take a toll on the side. Now, South Melbourne have to get themselves up for a huge clash with Wellington Phoenix. 

With South Melbourne losing one of their last two home games, I am backing them to slip to a lose mere days after their Dockerty Cup triumph. 

Wellington Phoenix were excellent across the 2024 A-League season, winning 15 of their 27 regular season matches and finishing just two points short of Central Coast Mariners at the summit. 

Despite only losing four of their regular season games, the Phoenix were left to rue what might have been as they were beaten across two leagues by Melbourne Victory, failing to win either match as they went down 2-1. Ultimately, the Phoenix saw a superb season rendered pointless as they finished second on the ladder and failed to make the Grand Finals. 

Return to competitive action will not be easy after time away following the disappointing end to their campaign. However, Wellington will know starting well is vital, and I am backing them to defeat South Melbourne.