KEY POINTS:
Is Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert caught between a rock and the proverbial as he weighs up his goalkeeping options before naming his starting XI to play Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night?
While the finger, surely, can hardly be pointed at Glen Moss who has played
in all nine matches thus far for being part of the leakiest defence in the Hyundai A-League, Herbert might now be forced to look at his options.
Moss, under scrutiny for no more than one or two of the 16 goals they have conceded, is being embarrassed by some defensive blunders. Herbert must now consider whether Moss, who has pulled off some remarkable saves, is assertive enough in linking with the players in front of him.
While Moss would be hard done by to be sat on the bench, giving All Whites custodian Mark Paston his chance, Herbert might be contemplating such a call.
"Maybe a change of face is what is needed," said Herbert. "But any such call would be a tough one."
Elsewhere, his hand has been forced. Regular central defender Karl Dodd must serve a one-match suspension before flying out to join the team in Perth on Monday, while Brazilian defender Cleberson has not travelled as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
With his options so limited, Herbert will name Steve O'Dor and Steven Old in central defence with regular fullbacks Jeremy Christie and Tony Lochhead holding their places.
"We are a little short at the back," Herbert admitted. "But we will make do with the players we have."
Of the stumbles which continue to cost his side dearly, Herbert says: "We are doing well for long periods but we are then punished for half a dozen dumb decisions in a game."
Herbert points to Christie as an example of that.
"I would struggle to say Jeremy hasn't played well all season then he makes a dumb decision and costs us a goal.
"To his credit he came in and straight away put his hand up. He was gutted," Herbert said of Christie's indecision and mistake which cost the Phoenix a well-deserved 1-1 home draw against league leaders Central Coast Mariners at Westpac Stadium last Sunday.
Herbert can, however, take some encouragement from the impending return of Brazilian midfielder Felipe from injury. He should be able to join countryman Daniel in sparking life into a team who are dropping off the pace as they head towards a difficult road trip with games in Adelaide and Perth.
In home games against the same teams, the Phoenix drew 2-2 with Adelaide and beat Perth Glory 4-1 - their best result.
"If we play well for 90 minutes, they will struggle to beat us," said Herbert. The challenge for him is getting that from his players.
With the November transfer window approaching, it would be little surprise if the Phoenix does not look outside the square and sign a guest player who they could bring in for seven weeks. That might help a team who continue to attract good crowds but, sadly, not the results to match.
"People care about the team," said Herbert. "Somewhat strangely, they continue to support us with an expectation of winning rather than assuming we will lose. We must take heart from that."
Adelaide are chasing a club record on Sunday. A win or a draw would take their unbeaten run to seven - one more than the record they established between November 2005 and February 2006. Their last loss was in round 19 last season, on January 4 this year, when they went down 1-0 to Queensland Roar.
* In his other role, as All Whites coach, Herbert said he would name the same 18 players selected for the World Cup qualifying matches, which became match, against Fiji this month, for next month's away and home fixtures against Vanuatu.
"We will stick with the same players," said Herbert. "That includes Ryan Nelsen who did not travel for that game and still hasn't played for his club Blackburn Rovers but, hopefully, will soon return to action."
* MATCH FACTS
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, 7pm tomorrow (live SS1)
Adelaide (from): Daniel Beltrame, Richie Alagich, Milan Susak, Cassio, Lucas Pantelis, Kristian Sarkies, Nathan Burns, Travis Dodd , Shaun Ontong, Jonas Salley, Isyan Erdogan, Robert Cornthwaite, Jason Spagnuolo, Diego, Dez Giraldi, Robert Bajic.
Phoenix (likely): Mark Paston, Jeremy Christie, Steve O'Dor, Steven Old, Tony Lochhead, Ross Aloisi , Vince Lia, Felipe, Daniel, Ahmad Elrich, Shane Smeltz. Substitutes: Glen Moss, Tim Brown/Richard Johnston, Vaughan Coveny, Royce Brownlie.