Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix Tips & Predictions - Sydney to shut-out struggling Phoenix

It's been a triumphant last week for Sydney, who have advanced into the semi-finals of continental competition for the first time, conquering Jeonbuk Motors 5-2 on aggregate to make the AFC Champions League 2 semi-finals. Now, the Sky Blues turn their attention back to the A-League, where they are faced with a crucial clash against Wellington at Allianz.

It's a good matchup for Sydney - Phoenix are struggling considerably heading into this contest, losing four games on the trot and managing just six goals in their last 10 outings. I don't think this will be a big win for Sydney - when they faced Perth Glory immediately after their last Champions League tie, it was a 0-0 draw. But, Sydney do need to secure all three points here as they are languishing in seventh, just outside the finals positions. I'm backing Under 3.5 goals as the best bet, with some value in Sydney prevailing with a clean sheet against this timid Wellington attack.

It was a 0-0 draw when these two sides met back in Round 14 across the ditch. Sydney have won five of their last six home games over Wellington.

Sydney will be playing their first A-League game since March 1 after successfully toppling Korean heavyweights Jeonbuk 5-2 across their two legs to reach the AFC Champions League 2 semi-finals.

The Sky Blues kept their cool after Jeonbuk got the tie back to 2-2 at Allianz on Thursday, with Alex Grant, Patryk Klimala and Douglas Costa all scoring in the second-half to secure the win.

However, focus now must return to the A-League, where Sydney are tasked with a must-win encounter here.

Ufuk Talay's side are currently two points outside the top six and could fall further behind should rivals the Wanderers beat Melbourne Victory on Saturday night. Sydney were victorious in their last A-League fixture, beating Macarthur 2-0.

There might be some rotation from Talay, but Sydney have named the same squad that beat Macarthur two weeks ago.

It's been a poor season from Wellington after they enjoyed a great run to the finals last term.

Phoenix have managed just two wins from their last 14 games, slumping to 11th spot on the ladder as a result.

Currently on a four-game losing streak, Wellington are 12 points off the finals and all but out of top six contention.

Wellington have leaked 11 goals in their last three defeats, including 6-1 and 4-1 defeats to Auckland and Western respectively.

Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues returns from injury for Wellington.