WS Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 13 February 2026
Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Wellington Phoenix
The match of the 17th round of the Australian A-League between WS Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix will take place on Friday at CommBank Stadium. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash, which comes with solid winning odds.
Match preview
The "Wanderers," after a dreadful run in December – when the club failed to win any of their five matches and suffered four defeats during that stretch—have managed to slightly improve their current form. This calendar year, WS Wanderers have beaten Melbourne Victory away (1-0) and Perth Glory at home (1-0).
In the last round, they managed to snatch a point against Melbourne City, coming from behind to draw 1-1. Still, the season has been disastrous for the Wanderers. After 16 rounds, WS Wanderers sit at the bottom of the table, trailing the top six by seven points.
As for their rivals, Wellington Phoenix can hardly boast a better campaign. The team is only three points ahead of WS Wanderers in the standings and has managed just one win in their last five outings – a shock 2-0 away victory over Sydney FC.
Since then, the Phoenix have picked up just one point from the following three rounds, and in their most recent match, they put up a fight at home against Melbourne Victory but ultimately lost 2-3. The stats don’t favor the Phoenix either: in their last ten away games against the Wanderers, they've suffered six defeats and won only twice.
Probable line-ups
- WS Wanderers: Thomas L., Simmons A., Cansar P., Pantapopoulos A., Gersbach A., Barbarouses K., Turgate A., Sklyunda D., Fraser R., Borrello B., Kraev B.
- Wellington Phoenix: Kelly-Heald, Payne, M. James, B. Tuiloma, Hughes, Armiento, Kartum, Retre, Nagasawa, Eze, Najjarine.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Last season, the Wanderers thrashed Wellington Phoenix 4-1 at home
- The "Both teams to score" bet has landed in the last two meetings between these sides
- The "Over 2.5 goals" wager has won in three of the last five head-to-head matches
Prediction
Bookmakers are backing the hosts, offering odds of 1.52 for a WS Wanderers win. In a clash between two of the season’s strugglers, it’s unlikely either side will sit back and defend. We suggest going with "Both teams to score" at 1.66.
