Sydney FC host Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium in Sydney this Sunday, January 18, 2026. The match kicks off at 06:00 GMT+0. Referee Shaun Kelly (Australia) takes charge of this regular-season A-League fixture between two sides separated by seven places in the standings.
The Sky Blues sit second with a perfect home record so far, while the Phoenix occupy tenth and have struggled for consistency away from home. Recent trends point toward an open contest with goals likely from both ends. Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix prediction today leans on the hosts’ strong Allianz form and the visitors’ habit of conceding but also scoring on the road.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This A-League clash promises attacking intent from both teams based on recent patterns. Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix prediction today highlights the Sky Blues’ scoring consistency at home against Wellington’s vulnerability in away fixtures. Both sides have shown a tendency toward open games lately. Key stats from head-to-head and current form suggest value in certain markets. Readers can use the following breakdowns to spot potential edges.
Sydney FC Results
Sydney FC enter this match in solid position after a convincing away win. The Sky Blues have maintained strong home form throughout the campaign. Ufuk Talay’s side look to extend their unbeaten run at Allianz Stadium.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 10.01.26 | AL | Macarthur FC vs Sydney FC | 0-3 | W |
| 03.01.26 | AL | Melbourne City vs Sydney FC | 0-0 | D |
| 20.12.25 | AL | Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC | 2-0 | L |
| 13.12.25 | AL | Perth Glory vs Sydney FC | 0-1 | W |
| 06.12.25 | AL | Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC | 1-2 | W |
Sydney FC claimed three wins, one draw and one loss across those five games. They kept three clean sheets while scoring in four matches. Home performances remain particularly impressive with consistent multi-goal outputs. Defensive organisation has improved noticeably in recent outings. Overall momentum favours the Sky Blues heading into this fixture.
Wellington Phoenix Results
Wellington Phoenix arrive after a high-scoring home draw. The New Zealand side have shown flashes of quality but struggle for stability away. Giancarlo Italiano will look for a positive response on the road.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 11.01.26 | AL | Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United | 2-2 | D |
| 03.01.26 | AL | Brisbane Roar vs Wellington Phoenix | 0-3 | W |
| 29.12.25 | AL | Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix | 5-1 | L |
| 21.12.25 | AL | Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners | 3-1 | W |
| 14.12.25 | AL | Wellington Phoenix vs Newcastle Jets | 1-3 | L |
Wellington Phoenix recorded two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five. They scored in every game but conceded heavily in defeats. Away form remains a concern with multiple goals let in recently. Attacking players have contributed consistently when opportunities arise. This mixed run leaves them vulnerable against stronger home sides.
Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
These teams have produced competitive and often high-scoring encounters in recent seasons. Wellington have avoided defeat in the previous three meetings overall. The record shows a balanced rivalry with draws appearing frequently.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 16.03.25 | AL | Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix | 1-1 |
| 15.01.25 | AL | Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC | 0-0 |
| 16.03.24 | AL | Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC | 2-1 |
| 29.12.23 | AL | Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix | 3-1 |
| 12.03.23 | AL | Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC | 1-0 |
Wellington Phoenix went unbeaten in three of the last five clashes. Two matches ended level while three produced a winner by a single goal. Goals have featured regularly with both teams scoring in several fixtures. Home advantage has not always guaranteed victory for Sydney. The pattern suggests tight, goal-involved games.
Predicted Starting Lineups
These are the predicted starting lineups for the Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix A-League match on January 18, 2026. The selections follow the most common recent formations used by each team and account for current availability. Official lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off, so treat these as informed estimates.
Sydney FC predicted lineup
Devenish-Meares (GK), Grant R. (DF), Tisserand (DF), Grant A. (DF), Garuccio (DF), Youlley (MF), Okon-Engstler (MF), Walatee (MF), Quispe (MF), Toure (MF), Campuzano (FW).
Wellington Phoenix predicted lineup (3-5-2):
McCarron (GK), Hughes (DF), James (DF), Kelly-Heald (DF), Sheridan (MF), Najjarine (MF), Rufer (MF), Nagasawa (MF), Armiento (MF), Eze (FW), Piper (FW).
Injured and Questionable Players
Several players from both squads are unavailable or doubtful for this A-League clash due to injuries, inactivity or international commitments. Sydney FC appear relatively healthy in key areas, while Wellington Phoenix face more absences, particularly in attack and goalkeeping depth.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Sydney FC | Hoefsloot G. | Inactive |
| Sydney FC | Lolley J. | Inactive |
| Sydney FC | Macallister M. | International duty |
| Wellington Phoenix | Edwards D. | Inactive |
| Wellington Phoenix | Ishige H. | Injury |
| Wellington Phoenix | Oluwayemi J. | Injury |
| Wellington Phoenix | Supyk L. | Injury |
| Wellington Phoenix | Walker N. | Inactive |
Key Match Factors and Team News
Both teams bring different momentum into this Sunday clash at Allianz Stadium. Sydney’s home dominance contrasts with Wellington’s inconsistent away displays. Several elements could swing the outcome in either direction.
- Sydney FC maintain a 100% home win record this A-League season;
- Wellington Phoenix have lost three of their last six league matches overall;
- Both sides scored in eight of Wellington’s last ten league games;
- Sydney have scored two or more goals in 60% of their recent ten fixtures;
- Over 2.5 goals landed in Wellington’s last three away league outings;
- Key attackers like Alhassan Toure and Patrick Wood stay in form for Sydney;
- Wellington rely heavily on Ifeanyi Eze for goals in open games;
- No major reported injuries or suspensions affect either squad significantly.
Free Tips on Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix
This section delivers straightforward, data-backed free betting tips pulled directly from the teams’ recent statistics, scoring patterns and head-to-head history in the A-League. The pointers focus on concrete trends visible in the numbers rather than general advice, giving you specific angles for this Sunday clash at Allianz Stadium. Use them to refine your view on markets like goals, corners or result without overlapping the main factors already covered.
- Sydney FC have won 100% of their home league games this season and averaged 2.70 goals scored per home match in their last ten, underlining a clear attacking edge when playing at Allianz Stadium;
- Wellington Phoenix have seen both teams score in eight of their last ten league matches overall and in all of their most recent away fixtures, making BTTS a recurring outcome regardless of opponent;
- The last three head-to-head meetings between these sides produced just one goal in total across two of them, yet the prior two at Allianz Stadium both featured goals from both teams and finished with at least three total goals;
- Sydney’s top scorers Alhassan Toure, Victor Campuzano and Patrick Wood have combined for ten goals recently, while Wellington’s Ifeanyi Eze leads their attack with four in the same period, pointing to individual threats that could exploit defensive gaps;
- Wellington have conceded an average of 2.10 goals per away game in their last ten road outings, contrasting sharply with Sydney’s stingy home defence that has let in only 0.5 goals per match on average lately.
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Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix Match Prediction 2026
Sydney FC hold a clear edge thanks to their impeccable home record and superior league position. Wellington Phoenix have shown they can score on the road but struggle defensively against organised sides. The Sky Blues’ recent clean sheets at Allianz combined with Wellington’s tendency to concede multiple goals point toward home control. Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix odds reflect the hosts as strong favourites. Expect Sydney to dictate play and create chances through possession, while Wellington look for counters. Both teams scoring remains realistic given recent trends, yet Sydney should secure the points. A narrow home win with goals at both ends fits the profile best here.
Our Prediction: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington Phoenix
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Sydney FC Win | 1.55 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.63 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.55 |
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