Preview: Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Wellington Phoenix - prediction, team news, lineups

Western Sydney Wanderers play host to Wellington Phoenix on Monday looking for the victory which would keep the club in contention for second spot in the A-League standings.

Meanwhile, Wellington head into this contest on the back of two successive wins, results which have moved the visitors away from bottom position.

Match preview

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Western Sydney appointed Carl Robinson as their new manager in October keen for the Welshman to restore the club to the heights which they experienced between 2013 and 2016.

Even on the back of last season's ninth-placed finish, Western Sydney are already in the top five, only prevented from sitting higher in the table due to two successive defeats.

While the home setbacks against Adelaide United and Melbourne City came as a blow, Western Sydney hit back with a much-needed 1-0 triumph over Western United on March 7.

English midfielder Jordon Mutch, best known for his periods at Crystal Palace and Cardiff City, netted the decisive goal on what was his first start for the club.

As far as Wellington are concerned, two convincing victories over Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory have provided them with a much-needed lift after a dismal start to the season.

The wins over two of their nearest rivals in the table were complemented with clean sheets, their first two shutouts of the season.

Former Fleetwood Town forward David Ball and New Zealand Under-23s star Ben Waine have now scored in successive matches, strengthening the feeling that the pair can help Wellington make quick progress up the table.

The reverse fixture between the sides took place less than two months ago as Louis Fenton claimed a late 2-2 draw for Wellington.

Team News

Keanu Baccus is in line to come back into the Western Sydney side, taking the place of Mark Natta.

Barring any late fitness issues, the remainder of the team could stay the same, leaving the likes of Simon Cox to settle for a spot on the substitutes' bench.

Given the manner of their victory over Perth Glory, minimal changes are expected to the Wellington XI.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Tomer Hemed will be named among the replacements as he continues to wait for his first goal of the season.

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Margush; Gordon, McGowan, Baccus; Russell, Mutch, Dorrans, Wilmering; Ibini-Isei, Duke, Troisi

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

We say: Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Wellington Phoenix

After their narrow win last time out, Western Sydney will feel that they are back on track in the race for the title. However, we cannot ignore Wellington's recent results, leading us to predict a competitive low-scoring draw on Monday.