A quick turnaround for the inform Wellington Phoenix in the Ninja A-League.
The Phoenix are visiting Adelaide United on Sunday evening less than 72 hours after their resounding 3-0 win at Western Sydney Wanderers.
The victory, the team’s fifth in their past seven matches, has seen the Nix rise to fourth on the ladder.
Adelaide are fifth, level on points but behind Wellington on goal difference.
Phoenix assistant coach Amy Shepherd says it was a good result against Western Sydney, but they’ve quickly turned their attentions to the Reds.
“We’re still trying to take each game as it comes at the minute,” Shepherd said via zoom from Adelaide on Saturday morning.
“We’re obviously in good form and as much as you’ve got to appreciate the highs, you’ve got to stay on track and just keep pushing for the next one.
“So, preparation is in place for Adelaide and we’re all looking forward to Sunday.”
The Nix travelled to Adelaide on Friday and will train in the city on Saturday afternoon.
“I think it’s always tough to back up and you’ve got to take in recovery and prep, but we’re prepared for anything.
“Everyone has recovered well. We’ll have some more updates today as we’ve got training later on this afternoon so we’ll see how players pull up after that, but so far everyone’s going well.
“I don’t think there’s necessarily a good time or a bad time to play these back-to-back games.
“[But] especially as we’re in good form it’s a good opportunity for us.”
Adding to the challenge of the short turnaround, the temperature in Adelaide is forecast to be 33 degrees at kick-off on Sunday. It’s a far cry from the weather in Wellington over the past fortnight.
“It’s looking like a hot one for sure.
“It’s not necessarily the Wellington weather we’re used to, but we’re here a day early so we obviously get the opportunity to train.
“We’ll prepare and do everything we need to, to make sure everyone is ready.”
The Reds are the first team the Phoenix will play twice this season.
The Nix won the previous meeting 1-0 in Sydney in November to kick start their campaign after losing their opening three matches.
“It was huge. Adelaide was our turning point when we first played them, and we got that win after a bit of a shaky start at the beginning of the season.
“I look back to those first two games of the season and results aside some of the stats from them games are still some of our best in terms of box entries and the way that we played.
“So, we knew that it was coming together and I think once we got that first result it’s given the girls a bit of confidence and belief.
“Now we’re on a really good run so hopefully we can keep that up and keep taking each game as it comes.”
Adelaide also played mid-week, drawing 3-3 at Newcastle Jets, after beating Western Sydney and Central Coast in back-to-back weeks over the festive period.
“They’re also in good form and they’re getting some good results.
“The result against Central Coast Mariners was a good one for them against a side in the same pack in the table.
“They’ve definitely got some strengths, playing through central areas.
“They haven’t changed too much [since we last played them]. I think they’ve really nailed down their formation, their system and style of play.
“They’re doing really well, they’re also a good side and we’re obviously joint on points, so hopefully it will be a really, really good game to enjoy for everyone.”
The round 11 Ninja A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United is scheduled to kick-off at Marden Sports Complex in Adelaide at 7:30pm (5pm ACDT) Sunday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 4 in New Zealand and on Paramount+ and 10 Play in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 22 November 2024 – Adelaide United 0 Wellington Phoenix 1
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 3W, Adelaide 4W, 0D
Wellington Phoenix squad (two to be omitted): 2. Zoe MCMEEKEN, 3. Tiana JABER, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Alivia KELLY, 6. Maya MCCUTCHEON, 7. Grace JALE, 9. Olivia FERGUSSON, 10. Alyssa WHINHAM, 11. Manaia ELLIOTT, 12. Ella MCMILLAN, 14. Mebae TANAKA, 15. Daisy BRAZENDALE, 16. Annalie LONGO (c), 19. Liv INGHAM, 20. Emma MAIN, 21. Lara WALL, 22. Aimee DANIELI (gk), 39. Carolina VILÃO (gk).
Unavailable:8. Amelia ABBOTT (injured), 18. Ella MCCANN (injured), 23. Rebecca LAKE (injured).
Adelaide United squad (two to be omitted): 1. Annalee GROVE (gk), 2. Emily HODGSON, 4. Matilda MCNAMARA, 5. Sarah MORGAN, 6. Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 8. Emily CONDON, 10. Chelsie DAWBER,13. Ella TONKIN, 14. Lucía LEÓN, 17. Zoe TOLLAND, 18. Lara KIRKBY, 19. Katie BOWLER, 21. Claudia JENKINS, 22. Erin HEALY, 23. Fiona WORTS, 24. Abby MIDDLETON, 27. Sian DEWEY, 28. Chrissy PANAGARIS.
Unavailable: 11. Isabel HODGSON (c) (injured), 16. Dylan HOLMES (injured).
Main image: Cam McIntosh/Photomac.
