The Phoenix will be aiming to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time this season after conceding late to lose 2-1 to Central Coast Mariners in the top of the table clash last weekend. After a mid-season slump, the Victory are on the way back up and have won three of their past four matches. They struck late to secure a dramatic 2-1 win over rivals Melbourne City last weekend thanks to an 86th minute winner from Damien Da Silva.

TAB odds

Somewhat surprisingly, the Victory have been listed as $2.00 favourites to beat the Phoenix in Wellington and close the gap between second and third to two points, even though the Phoenix have lost just the once at Sky Stadium this season. The Phoenix are paying $3.30 to win and the draw is $3.50.