Ricki Herbert and the Wellington Phoenix have given up the right to play their fourth Pre-Season Cup game at home and will travel to play A-League champions Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
"There were a couple of reasons behind the decision," said Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata last
night.
"Melbourne were keen to play at home after being on the road to play their matches so far at Geelong, in Tasmania and this weekend against Perth in Darwin.
"And, as we are down to play Melbourne at Westpac Stadium here in our opening game of the season proper, we did not want to detract from what we are hoping will be a gala occasion. Melbourne were happy for us to fly across for the game, which will be played at Olympic Park."
Herbert also welcomed the chance to give his players an early look at the park in Melbourne and get them back into the travel swing after matches in Christchurch and Wellington.
The Phoenix missed out on a spot in this week's semifinals when beaten 2-1 by Queensland Roar on Friday night.
Interestingly, top sides Sydney FC and Melbourne finished last in their respective pools. Sydney failed to score a goal in three games in pool B, which was won by Central Coast Mariners from Queensland. They beat Sydney 3-0 in Canberra yesterday. Adelaide edged Perth on goal difference to win pool A.
In the semifinals, Central Coast will play Perth and Adelaide will be at home to Queensland. In the other bottom-four clash Newcastle will be at home to Sydney.
