A crowd of almost 20,000 is expected to get behind the Wellington Phoenix in their last regular season fixture at Sky Stadium on Saturday.
Children will be admitted free for the match against Macarthur, and the club anticipates their largest match attendance of the men’s A-League season.
The A-League are sending the Premiers Plate trophy to Sky Stadium in case the Phoenix win and title rivals Central Coast Mariners lose at Newcastle Jets, an outcome that would secure the title for the New Zealand side.
Both games kick off at 7.15pm.
Phoenix top goalscorer Kosta Barbarouses (34) would relish winning the plate in front of his home town fans and his family.
“To do it this year would be unbelievable, in front of my friends and family that I’ve grown up, two young kids now that have lived here for two years. It would be incredible,” he told a media briefing.
“We’ve given ourselves every chance to do the business this weekend to see where we land in the premiership and then again, all to play for in the finals.”
Meanwhile, last season’s top goalscorer Oscar Zawada says he’s on track to be fit for the finals play-offs.
“I have special feeling to the club and (to the) Yellow Fever and I know what would be amazing to play these games, so special games for the fans and also for me,” he told a media briefing.
“it’s still possible to finish this season together and and make something special.”
Games to be played on Saturday April 27, 2024
Men’s A-League
Wellington Phoenix v Macarthur
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 7.15pm (NZT)
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle, 7.15pm (NZT)