Match Information

• Date: 17/02/2025
• Kick-Off Time: 15:00pm AEST (22/02/2025)
• Round: 20 of 29 in the A-League
• Ground: Go Media Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

The Kiwi Derby

Newcomers Auckland FC are looking to extend their lead at the top of the A-League when they take on their fellow Kiwi rivals, Wellington Phoenix. Both clubs are based in the North Island, separated by approximately 646 kms. Despite the distance, this is still classified as a derby being the only two Kiwi clubs in the league.

This is the 3rd meeting between the two clubs, with Auckland FC winning both previous encounters. Wellington is aiming for a top six finish at the end of the season. In the last four matches, Auckland FC have won 3 and drawn 1, while Wellington Phoenix have had 3 draws, 1 win, and 1 loss.

• Auckland FC are predicted to play a 4-2-3-1 formation
• Wellington Phoenix are predicted to play a 3-5-2 formation

Current Standings

• Auckland FC: 1st place
• Wellington Phoenix: 10th place

Auckland FC are looking to finish in the top two in the league, while Wellington Phoenix aims to replicate last season’s form, where they reached the semifinal in the A-League finals series.

Team News

Auckland FC

• Injuries:
  • Daniel Hall (ankle injury) – return date: March 11th, 2025
  • Hiroki Sakai (doubt with an ankle injury)
• Suspensions:
  • None

Wellington Phoenix

• Injuries:
  • Gabriel Salone-Rodrigues (muscle injury) – return date unknown
  • Marcos Rojas (ankle injury) – return date: March 15th, 2025
  • Tim Payne (sidelined) – return date unknown
  • Lukas Kelly-Heald (due to a knock) – return date unknown
  • Sam Sutton (due to a knock) – return date unknown
  • Stefan Colakovski (ACL) – return date: June 30th, 2025
• Suspensions:
  • None

Match Preview

On current form, Auckland FC are favourites for this match. However, they must not be complacent against their opposition.

Prediction: 1-1