Preview: Wellington Phoenix vs. Perth Glory - prediction, team news, lineups

Resurgent Wellington Phoenix host visitors Perth Glory at WIN Stadium in the A-League this Sunday.

Wellington are looking to record back-to-back victories after defeating Newcastle Jets 2-0 in their last match a week ago.

Match preview

The victory over Newcastle was just the Phoenix's second win after a poor start to the season that has them languishing in 11th spot, second from bottom in the competition.

However, there are signs the Kiwi outfit have turned a corner and are ready to climb the ladder.

They dominated Newcastle and also showed grit and resilience in registering a 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers a fortnight ago.

While Wellington are hoping to build a formidable presence in their new home in Wollongong, Perth are seeking their fourth victory of 2020-21.

The Glory have only played two games in the past month because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, and their last clash was a disappointing 2-0 loss at the hands of high-flyers Central Coast Mariners.

Before that defeat Richard Garcia's men were on a three-game winning streak and had scored seven goals in just three matches.

New boss Garcia will want a return to that kind of form that has them in the top six and in the reckoning for a spot in the semi-finals.

Perth have the better record of the two over the course of their past encounters, with 20 wins from 42 matches.

The pair last met in August when the West Australian team finished 1-0 victors.

Team News

David Ball is available for selection after serving a suspension, but Wellington are still without Luke DeVere, Tomer Hemed and Jaushua Sotirio.

Steven Taylor has rejoined the club after a spell playing in India, but will be unavailable for this match.

Mexican winger Ulises Davila remains the main man the Glory will need to stop on Sunday, with the forward the Phoenix's top-scorer with three goals.

For Perth, marquee midfielder Diego Castro is set to return after recovering from injury.

However, the Glory are still without the services of Osama Malik and Chris Ikonomidis.

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:
Sail; McGarry, McGing, Payne, Fenton; Rufer, Lewis, Davila, Piscopo; Waine; Muratovic

Perth Glory possible starting lineup:
Reddy; Ingham, Lachman, Aspropotamitis, Walsh; Hughes, Kilkenny, Stynes; D'Agostino, Castro, Fornaroli

We say: Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Perth Glory

Wellington are improving but are still missing some key players through injury. Perth may be away from home but with Castro back have plenty of firepower to trouble the Phoenix.