Perth Glory — Wellington Phoenix : Match Preview and Prediction for October 18,2025

A New Era for Perth Glory

The upcoming season brings a fresh approach for Perth Glory. After consecutive last-place finishes, the club has embarked on a significant transformation. Owner Ross Pelligra has emphasized a clear mandate for performance this year. The integration of 11 new footballers signifies a complete structural rebuild rather than mere adjustments.

Adam Taggart: The Dominant Force

Central to this revamped structure is Adam Taggart. The striker was the sole standout performer in the previous campaign, and his exceptional record against Wellington is compelling. In 2025 alone, Taggart netted three times across two encounters, highlighted by a brace in Perth’s decisive 2-0 away victory in their last league meeting. This performance transcends mere statistics, demonstrating sheer dominance.

Strategic Reinforcements and Injury Management

While the team faces some personnel challenges ahead of the season opener, notably the injury to key goalkeeper Mark Birighitti, the club’s swift response in securing Matt Sutton on a short-term deal underscores management’s commitment. Furthermore, Perth strategically weakened their direct opponent, Wellington, by acquiring defenders Scott Wootton and Sam Sutton, effectively delivering a dual blow to their rivals.

Wellington Phoenix: A Challenging Pre-Season

Wellington approaches the new season following a disappointing campaign where they finished in 11th place. The club experienced significant squad departures over the summer, posing substantial challenges for replenishment. The loss of their leading goal-scorer, Kosta Barbarouses, creates a considerable void in their offensive capabilities that remains unfilled.

Defensive Setbacks and Strategic Errors

The team’s weakening extends beyond their offensive line. The departure of pivotal defenders Scott Wootton and Sam Sutton, both of whom transferred directly to Perth Glory, significantly compromises their defensive stability. Not only has Phoenix diminished their own quality, but they have also inadvertently bolstered a direct rival for the season’s opening fixture – a strategic misstep that could prove costly from the outset.

Worrying Away Form

Furthermore, Wellington’s away performance presents considerable cause for concern. The statistics are stark: Phoenix suffered defeat in 9 of their previous 14 matches on the road. This trend points to a systemic vulnerability rather than isolated incidents.