Thursday October 27
Sydney FC V Wellington Phoenix
Allianz Stadium, 8pm local time
Sydney is winless from its last three starts, so coach Graham Arnold will be demanding a big game from his players on Thursday night against the Phoenix.
The Phoenix should not have any problems with jet lag, after they stayed in Sydney all week after last weekend's clash with the Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium.
Sydney on the other hand, despite playing at home, may struggle, after the long flight back from Perth in scorching conditions last weekend.
The Sky Blues have won six of their last eight matches against Wellington though and that should continue on Thursday night. Sydney has also outscored Wellington in those eight matches, 20 goals to eight.
The Phoenix have failed to win in their last three away games.
Wellington will be without defender Ben Sidmund, who suffered a concussion last week, while Sydney may head in with a different look starting XI, after Graham Arnold hinted at rotating his side after last week's difficult conditions.
Vince Lia will return from injury in Sigmund's place.
Given Sydney's tough match last week, recovery would have been more difficult than their opponents this week, so expect a closely fought, evenly matched game.
Prediction: Sydney 2 - 1 Wellington
