Western United vs Wellington Phoenix Tips & Predictions - Under 3.5 goals backed as Western cement top two status

One of the standout teams this season, Western are expected to register their 10th win of the season against a Wellington side who are languishing in 11th spot on the ladder and come into this contest on the back of a three-game losing streak. Our best bet for this clash is Under 3.5 total goals - while Phoenix are struggling, their defence remains solid and is ranked in the top four in the A-League. I'm backing Western to prevail in a relatively low-scoring contest at home.

Phoenix are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the teams, but both sides have gone in opposite directions since a most-recent 1-1 draw in the opening round.

It's been an outstanding season for Western, who have surged up to second spot on the ladder and look like genuine contenders for the premiership if they can maintain their current level.

Western have won eight of their last 12 games and head into this encounter following back-to-back victories over Adelaide United (3-0) and Central Coast Mariners (3-1).

John Aloisi's side have transformed into one of the best attacking teams in the competition, with Noah Botic topping the goal-scoring charts with 10, while Hiroshi Ibusaki isn't far behind with eight goals for the season.

Not many injury concerns for Western, with James Donachie still battling a calf injury.

After making the finals and impressing last season, Wellington have regressed in 2024/25 and are all but out of the race for the top six this term.

Phoenix are 11 points adrift of the top six coming into this showdown and have managed just two wins from their last 13 games.

Wellington are at a low point right now, suffering three consecutive defeats against Melbourne Victory (1-0), Auckland FC (6-1) and Melbourne City (1-0).

Marco Rojas could be in line for a start after being left on the bench last week, while Gabriel Sloane-Rodriguez is looking to recover after missing last week's loss to City due to a knock.