**Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory — A-League Men, Round 1**

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**It's A-League season launch day, and these two heavyweights are coming in hot.** 🔥 Both sides are primed for a statement opener in what's shaping up to be a tasty Wellington clash.

Phoenix and Victory have the quality to run deep this campaign. Expect intensity from the jump — neither team pulls punches in round 1, and Hnry Stadium will be absolutely bouncing.

Key storylines:

- **Wellington Phoenix** look to impose their style early and set the tone for the season on home turf
- **Melbourne Victory** bring established pedigree and will test Phoenix's defensive shape from minute one
- Early momentum could define both teams' confidence heading into the next round

Expected lineups:

- **Wellington Phoenix**: Kurto, Vine, Túbilandu, Do, Gería, Barbarouses, Jovanovic, Waine, Payne, Elliot, Tilio
- **Melbourne Victory**: Tanda, Delbridge, Sutalo, Franjic, Valakari, Tomic, Majer, Nani, Traore, Rojas, Berisha

Prediction:

**2–1 Wellington.** The home-ground edge and Phoenix's attacking thrust give them a slight favorite lean in a tight, entertaining affair. 📍