Wellington Phoenix Host Melbourne City in Pivotal A-League Men Clash
Wellington, 30 January 2026 – The Wellington Phoenix welcome Melbourne City to Sky Stadium tonight for a crucial Isuzu UTE A-League Men encounter, with both sides looking to solidify their positions in a tightly contested mid-table. The match marks a significant milestone for the Nix, being their 500th game in the competition.
Form Guide Points to Tense Encounter
Both teams enter the fixture under contrasting recent pressures. Melbourne City’s title defence appears shaky after a heavy 6-2 defeat away to Macarthur FC last weekend, a result that saw coach Aurelio Vidmar’s men drop out of the top six. Vidmar, however, has insisted his squad remains in a “good headspace” and is desperate for a response. Conversely, Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano has expressed satisfaction with his team’s bounce-back following their own loss to Newcastle Jets, highlighted by a 3-1 victory over Adelaide United earlier this week which propelled them into second place in the Ninja A-League Women’s competition.
Key Facts & Team News
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City FC |
| Competition | Isuzu UTE A-League Men, Round 15 |
| Date & Time | Friday 30 January 2026, 7:00 pm (local) |
| Venue | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
| Wellington Team News | Coach Giancarlo Italiano is keen to start new Norwegian signing Sander Kartum following his goalscoring debut. |
| Melbourne City Team News | City have named both Daniel Arzani and Andreas Kuen in their squad for the trip across the Tasman. |
| Current League Position | Melbourne City: 8th (15 matches). Wellington Phoenix: 9th (14 matches). |
| Recent Head-to-Head | Melbourne City won the last meeting 1-0 on 27 February 2025. |
Milestone Match for the Nix
Tonight’s fixture holds special significance for the Wellington Phoenix, as it represents their 500th match in the A-League Men’s competition. The club will be hoping to mark the occasion with a positive result against last season’s champions, who are themselves in need of points to reignite their campaign. Football Australia has confirmed all match official appointments for Round 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City match start?
The Isuzu UTE A-League Men Round 15 clash is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm local time on Friday 30 January 2026 at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
How can I watch the Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City game?
The match will be broadcast live on network partners. Fans can also follow live updates via the official A-Leagues website and club match centres.
What is the recent form of both teams?
Melbourne City are looking to recover from a heavy 6-2 defeat last weekend. Wellington Phoenix are buoyed by a 3-1 win over Adelaide United in the A-League Women’s competition and a positive response in training after their last men’s defeat.
Is this a significant match for Wellington Phoenix?
Yes, this match is the Wellington Phoenix’s 500th game in the A-League Men’s competition, a major milestone for the club.