The fight for the title goes down to the wire as Wellington aim to scupper Central Coast’s search for silverware at Westpac Stadium.
Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 25th March, 4.00pm
The fight for the title goes down to the wire as Wellington aim to scupper Central Coast’s search for silverware at Westpac Stadium.
Wellington Phoenix’s quest for a home tie in the elimination final may have concluded successfully despite defeat last weekend, but there is still so much at stake on Sunday at Westpac Stadium.
While the New Zealanders tussle for third place with Perth Glory, their opponents have even bigger fish to fry. Central Coast Mariners can claim the Premier’s Plate on Sunday, so get yourself a ticket today and be there as the title race reaches an epic climax in your backyard.
Last Saturday’s narrow win against Adelaide United has left Graham Arnold’s team on the cusp of glory. Two points clear of Brisbane Roar, they go into the game knowing that a win will guarantee top spot.
Anything less and all eyes will turn to Queensland, where Brisbane will have the chance to reclaim their crown with a victory over the Hyundai A-League’s bottom club.
While they are in danger of blowing a once huge lead at the top of the ladder and missing out on the Premier’s Plate, they will at least go into the final game of the Hyundai A-League season with some level of confidence, having secured only their second win from eight matches last weekend.
A header from striker Bernie Ibini just after half-time was enough to topple Adelaide and leave the Yellow & Navy in the box seat going into the final fixture of a thrilling campaign.
While Roar’s win over Newcastle spoiled the party in Gosford, they have their destiny in their own hands and will be going all out for the three points that will lead to glory. A draw or a loss would give Roar the chance to pip them at the post.
While Wellington don’t have the same kind of weight on their shoulders as their opponents, they will be keen to right the wrongs of last week, when they were absolutely destroyed in Melbourne.
The 3-0 loss to a Victory side who failed to reach the finals might have raised a few eyebrows, but the worrying truth is that the scoreline could have been much worse for Ricki Herbert’s men, who were outplayed from start to finish.
With the finals just around the corner, Phoenix will be looking for a confidence-boosting win to propel them into their home elimination final in style.
This thrilling Hyundai A-League season reaches boiling point on Sunday and Westpac Stadium takes centre stage as the Premiers-elect aim to finally get their hands on the silverware that they have been so close to for such a long time.
Can Central Coast Mariners seal the title or will Wellington open the door for Roar to overtake them at the death? The ladder leaders have taken six points from Phoenix this season, what better way to gain revenge than by crushing their title dreams on this sensational Sunday? Join the Fever Zone and make a difference.
