The Wellington Phoenix will hope to farewell Sam Sutton and Scott Wootton with a victory when they take on the Brisbane Roar in the Hahn Australia Cup Playoffs in Darwin.
Read our preview of the action in Darwin below.
Team News
The Wellington Phoenix have a host of outs, including Corban Piper, Isaac Hughes and Xuan Luke. They join Tim Payne, Chico Geraldes, Alby Kelly-Heald and Stefan Colakovski on the unavailability list.
That means reserve team players Ryan Lee and Dan Makowem will make the trip to Darwin.
Head-to-Head Record
Games: 54
Wellington Phoenix: 13
Brisbane Roar: 24
Draw: 17
Recent Form
Wellington Phoenix: LLLLW
Brisbane Roar: WWDWL
The A-League Men's season ended with the form of both sides in stark contrast to each other. The Roar were undefeated in their final four games, while the Phoenix did not pick up a single point in that same period.
However, the installation of Valkanis as Roar coach means that it is difficult to predict the way the Roar will play - it is very possible that the form lines will matter little come Wednesday.
Last Time They Met
The Roar defeated the Phoenix 1-0 in the penultimate round of the A-League Men season thanks to a Florin Berenguer second-half goal.
The Phoenix will be concerned not just with the defeat itself, but the manner of it. Brisbane had 30 shots and 56% possession on that day. Wellington will have to turn around that performance if they are to secure the result on Wednesday.
What They Said
Michael Valkanis, Brisbane Roar Head Coach:
“I can't believe the playing group. The energy, the intensity of training has gone right up, and I'm really happy with their learning.
"We've focused on ourselves for these four or five days because I want to put in place certain principles and certain ideas. It's all about our identity, and how we want to play.
Giancarlo Italiano, Wellington Phoenix Head Coach:
“We’ve had a disappointing last couple of weeks of the season but we’re going to try and end in a positive and just take what we can get from this leading into next season.”
“We take it very seriously. We try to qualify and when we’re in the tournament we try to get as far as possible.”
How To Watch
Both matches will be broadcast Live and Free on 10 Play and simulcast on Football Australia's YouTube Channel.
Read more information on How to Watch.
Match Information
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Kick-off: 7.00pm local/7.30pm AEST
Venue: Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park
Tickets: Via Ticketebo
