Canberra United W vs Wellington Phoenix W Prediction at 17-01-2026

Team Breakdown

Canberra United W: Currently positioned in the upper tier of the standings, Canberra has demonstrated consistency throughout the season. Their recent form shows a mix of decisive wins and hard-fought draws, with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in their last five matches. Key players like international forward Michelle Heyman remain vital to their attacking dynamism, scoring crucial goals and creating opportunities for teammates. Defensively, their combination of tactical organization and individual prowess provides them a solid backbone, though they struggle at times against pacey counter-attacks.

Wellington Phoenix W: The Phoenix has shown resilience, with a recent record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five matches. Despite their fluctuating results, they possess a young and vibrant squad that thrives under pressure. Standout midfielder Diana Kizzie has been key in linking play and driving forward, while their captain’s experience in defense helps stabilize the backline. However, Wellington will need to shore up their defensive lapses, particularly concerning set pieces.

Statistical Insights

In the last five encounters between these two teams, Canberra holds the edge with a record of 4 wins and 1 draw. Their ability to score has been impressive, netting a total of 14 goals while conceding only 5 in those matchups. This season, Canberra averages 2 goals per match while allowing 1.2, emphasizing their attacking flair paired with a relatively strong defense. On the flip side, Wellington has struggled away from home, with a record of just 1 win in five attempts, which could prove crucial in this away fixture.

Contextual Factors

The match will take place at Canberra’s iconic McKellar Park, where the home crowd is known to create an electrifying atmosphere. With recent rains expected in the area leading up to the match, the pitch conditions may favor the home team, who are accustomed to playing on their own turf. Additionally, injuries could play a pivotal role: Canberra's squad has remained largely injury-free, whereas Wellington will be without their key defender, Mia Gordon, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, potentially weakening their defensive setup. The weather and field conditions will likely impact gameplay, favoring a more systematic tactical approach that Canberra tends to adopt.