Melbourne Victory Women will cross the Tasman Sea to face Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, February 8.
After being just minutes away from claiming the top spot of the Ninja A-League ladder in their Melbourne Derby clash, Victory will be determined to come away from New Zealand with all three points.
Victory has enjoyed a strong head-to-head record against the Phoenix since joining the league in 2021; currently yet to be defeated by the Yellow and Black side.
Melbourne Victory:
Finding an early lead in Casey Fields thanks to Rachel Lowe’s second goal of the season, an 89th-minute equaliser ruled out what was almost a magnificent derby win for Victory.
As a result, Victory remains in second place and narrowly trails City – who have since picked up a win against Western United.
Despite the disappointing circumstances of how the Melbourne Derby concluded, Victory will be encouraged by their four-game undefeated streak and by the fact they have only taken a single loss away-from-home this season.
Jeff Hopkins’ side now turn their sights to Wellington Phoenix in a tough away trip, with the return of defender Ellie Wilson a welcomed re-addition to the squad.
In their meeting earlier this season at the Home of the Matildas, Victory narrowly missed out on the win after conceding a 90th-minute equaliser to the Nix.
Youngsters have been a particular high-point for Victory in recent weeks; notably with the likes of Alana Murphy, Laura Pickett, Rosie Curtis and new signing Holly Furphy receiving opportunities to play and ultimately performing in the big moments.
Round 15 Squad:
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Claudia BUNGE, 4. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 8. Alana MURPHY, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON, , 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Ins: 2. Ellie WILSON
Outs: 22. Ava BRIEDIS
Wellington Phoenix:
Starting the 2024/25 season with three-straight losses, the Wellington Phoenix have recovered well from their tough start.
Notable results against Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar and Victory helped the Nix jump up the table – but taking three losses in their past four games has seen Paul Temple’s side fall to 8th in the league.
Despite the mixed start to the season, an undisputed strength of theirs has been performing at home – winning in their last four games at Porirua Park.
The star of the show for the Nix this season has been their captain and former Victory player, Annalie Longo. The experienced midfielder has registered five goal contributions in 13 games this season.
