Wellington Phoenix Eye First Win in Showdown with Newcastle Jets

A Battle of Equals

The Phoenix began their campaign with losses to Western United and Canberra United, while the Jets suffered a narrow defeat at Perth Glory after a home draw with Western Sydney Wanderers. Despite their rocky start, Temple remains confident.

“I’m really looking forward to this game,” Temple shared with the media. “Both teams are evenly matched and have a similar playing style, so it’s going to be a technical battle through the midfield.”

Temple praised Newcastle’s performance under new coach Ryan Campbell, acknowledging their tactical approach and their efforts to build play through the midfield. “They’ve been doing well with shorter passes and structured build-ups, which aligns with what we’re trying to do.”

Statistics Confirm Tight Matchup

Supporting Temple’s analysis, Newcastle leads the league in crosses and ranks third in passing accuracy. They also boast the highest expected goals (xG) rating, indicating strong attacking potential. Wellington, ranked fifth in xG, has struggled to convert opportunities into goals, scoring just twice despite an expected four goals in their opening matches.

Temple believes a breakthrough is imminent. “We’ve created plenty of chances, and once we score, the momentum will shift. It’s just about fine-tuning those finishing touches.”

Conditions and Squad Dynamics

Sunday’s game presents an additional challenge: a forecasted 30-degree heat. The Phoenix have prepared for these conditions, incorporating heat chamber training into their preseason regime. “We’ll rely on ice towels, water breaks, and other professional measures to manage the heat,” Temple explained.

Injuries add to the Phoenix’s concerns. Vice-captain Rebecca Lake and center-back Imane Chebel are sidelined, but goalkeeper Carolina Vilão is expected to start despite a recent knock. Temple has taken an 18-strong squad to Newcastle, with scholarship players Ella McMillan and Ela Jerez among them.

The Stakes

This match marks the first of two away games for Wellington, who will remain in Australia ahead of their Unite Round fixture against Adelaide United next Friday. For now, all eyes are on Maitland, where both teams will fight to ignite their season.

Match Details:

• Kick-off: 5:00 PM NZT (3:00 PM AEDT), Sunday, Maitland Regional Sportsground
• Broadcast: Free-to-air on Sky Open, LIVE on Sky Sport 2 (NZ) and Paramount+ and 10 Play (AUS)

Last Meeting: Newcastle Jets 3–2 Wellington Phoenix (April 2024)
All-Time Record: Phoenix 1W, Jets 4W

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