Wellington Phoenix hold a historical advantage as they aim to break into the top six when they face Brisbane Roar on Thursday night.
Currently sitting in 10th place, the Phoenix find themselves six points behind the finals positions, although they have two games in hand compared to the sixth-placed Macarthur Bulls.
Giancarlo Italiano’s squad can take encouragement from their unbeaten streak against the Roar since March 2022, having gone six matches without a loss. In fact, they have managed to win 10 of their last 11 encounters with Brisbane.
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On the other hand, Brisbane, who sit at the bottom of the table, have only managed to secure one win this season, which surprisingly was against Sydney FC away from home.
This match coincides with Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s national holiday that marks the signing of the country’s founding document. It’s the club’s second match on Waitangi Day, following last season’s event at Sky Stadium, where more than 12,000 fans attended to see the team face the eventual champions, Central Coast Mariners.
The Phoenix are set to welcome back New Zealand international Tim Payne from injury, as revealed by Italiano before the match. However, the experienced full-back is unlikely to be in the starting XI against the Roar.
“The risk of starting Tim right now is higher if he’s on the pitch for too long, especially given the limited training he’s been able to do in recent weeks,” Italiano noted.
“He will likely come off the bench for a brief appearance and we’ll look to gradually increase his playing time over the next few weeks to ensure he’s fit for the crucial final matches.”
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Brisbane, for their part, have introduced new signing Austin Ludwik in their squad ahead of what could be his maiden appearance in the Isuzu UTE A-League. The 27-year-old, who has been a two-time NPL Queensland Player of the Year, joined Brisbane from Gold Coast Knights earlier this week, having led his former team to two premierships and championships.
His eligibility to play on Thursday against the Phoenix is pending domestic clearance.
READ MORE: Brisbane Roar sign NPL star to his first professional contract at 27 and he’s familiar with the club
Team news: Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Josh OLUWAYEMI (GK), 3. Corban PIPER, 4. Scott WOOTTON, 5. Fin ROA CONCHIE, 6. Tim PAYNE, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Paulo RETRE, 9. Hideki ISHIGE, 15. Isaac HUGHES, 18. Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 19. Sam SUTTON, 23. Luke SUPYK, 25. Kazuki NAGASAWA, 27. Matt SHERIDAN, 29. Luke BROOKE-SMITH, 30. Alby KELLY-HEALD (GK), 36. Xuan LOKE, 39. Jayden SMITH, 41. Nathan WALKER, 46. Lachlan CANDY
(Two players to be omitted)
Ins: 6. Tim PAYNE (returning from injury)
Outs: 44. Daniel MAKOWEM (omitted)
Unavailable: 11. Stefan COLAKOVSKI (injured), 14. Alex RUFER (c) (illness), 17. Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES (injured), 21. Marco ROJAS (injured)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Macklin FREKE (GK), 3. Corey BROWN, 6. Austin LUDWIK, 7. Rafael STRUICK, 8. Walid SHOUR, 10. Florin BERENGUER, 13. Henry HORE, 14. Pearson KASAWAYA, 15. Hosine BIILITY, 17. Nathan AMANATIDIS, 18. Jacob BRAZETE, 19. Jack HINGERT, 21. Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 23. Keegan JELACIC, 24. Sam KLEIN, 26. Jay O’SHEA (C), 27. Ben HALLORAN, 29. Matt ACTON (GK), 35. Louis ZABALA, 43. Adam ZIMARINO
(Two players to be omitted)
Ins: 6. Austin LUDWIK (subject to domestic clearance), 14. Pearson KASAWAYA, 17. Nathan AMANATIDIS
Outs: 2. Scott NEVILLE, 12. Lucas HERRINGTON
Unavailable: 4. Ben WARLAND (knee)
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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