Rivalry Ignites Again: Phoenix and Victory Set for Crucial A-League Showdown

As the sun sets over Sky Stadium this Saturday evening, a familiar storyline will take center stage: Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory. One of the A-League’s fiercest modern rivalries resumes in a clash that could determine not only bragging rights—but critical positioning on the ladder.

This will be the eighth time the two teams lock horns in less than two seasons. With two wins apiece and three draws since the start of last season, the balance of power hangs in the air. The Nix edged Victory 1-0 in their November meeting in Sydney, while the Melbourne side returned the favour with a 1-0 win at AAMI Park in February.

But this one carries more weight.

Italiano Relishes the Tactical Duel

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano is embracing the challenge, knowing full well the strategic chess match that lies ahead.

“I look forward to playing these games, especially when there’s not much between the teams,” Italiano told media on Friday. “Victory are built on fast transitions with very dangerous players. We know what we’re up against.”

Italiano also alluded to the painful memory of last year’s semi-final loss to Victory—decided in extra time on Phoenix’s home turf. Though he says he rarely looks back, he acknowledges the magnitude of that night.

“Those were great moments for the club, and something I’d love to replicate. We created history for the fans. Now, it’s about finishing the job.”

Victory’s New Look Under Arthur Diles

Much has changed since that playoff heartbreaker. Victory’s new boss, Arthur Diles, has instilled a different attacking identity—one that’s caught Italiano’s attention.

“They’re more fluid up front now. Less structure, more unpredictability. That makes them dangerous,” he noted. “I put them in the same bracket as Western United and Wanderers in terms of chaos in attack.”

For Diles, who took over mid-season, it’s been about imprinting a new style without completely overhauling a playoff-caliber squad.

Phoenix on the Rise

The Phoenix enter this matchup unbeaten in their last three, with draws against Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers followed by a gritty 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets. The uptick in form has brought them to within two points of ninth place.

“The intention is always to win, but now we’re building consistency,” Italiano said. “I want 70 to 80 minutes of football that fans love to watch. We’re getting there.”

And there’s an added layer of motivation: avoiding a trip to Darwin for an Australia Cup playoff.

“Hughesy mentioned it—no one wants to go to Darwin. Plus, a lot of the Kiwi boys are eyeing World Cup spots. That’s driving us.”

Squad News

Italiano is nearly spoiled for choice. With only Stefan Colakovski, Chico Geraldes, and Alby Kelly-Heald sidelined for the season, the Phoenix boast a stable and hungry lineup.

“It’s a bit of a surprise—we’re injury-free. That doesn’t happen often.”

Captain Alex Rufer has been managed cautiously due to a knee concern, but is expected to feature. For Victory, there are no unavailable players—Arthur Diles has a full squad at his disposal.

Match Details

• Kick-off: 5pm Saturday (NZT)

• Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington

• Broadcast: Sky Sport 5 (NZ), Paramount+ (AUS)

• Most recent result: Melbourne Victory 1, Wellington Phoenix 0 (Feb 14, 2025)

• All-time head-to-head: Victory 26 wins, Phoenix 13 wins, 14 draws

Wellington Phoenix Squad (two to be omitted):
Josh Oluwayemi (GK), Corban Piper, Scott Wootton, Fin Roa Conchie, Tim Payne, Kosta Barbarouses, Paulo Retre, Hideki Ishige, Alex Rufer (C), Isaac Hughes, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, Lukas Kelly-Heald, Sam Sutton, Luke Supyk, Kazuki Nagasawa, Matt Sheridan, Luke Brooke-Smith, Dublin Boon (GK), Jayden Smith, Nathan Walker
Unavailable: Stefan Colakovski, Chico Geraldes, Alby Kelly-Heald

Melbourne Victory Squad (two to be omitted):
Mitch Langerak (GK), Adama Traore, Lachlan Jackson, Brendan Hamill, Ryan Teague, Daniel Arzani, Zinedine Machach, Nikolaos Vergos, Bruno Fornaroli, Jordi Valadon, Joshua Inserra, Nishan Velupillay, Fabian Monge, Jing Reec, Roderick Miranda (C), Joshua Rawlins, Alexander Badolato, Jack Duncan (GK), Reno Piscopo, Kasey Bos
Unavailable: None