KEY POINTS:
Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has shuffled the pack ahead of tomorrow's third round A-League home game with the Newcastle Jets.
Herbert had hoped vice-captain Tim Brown would be in contention for the first time since recovering from a long injury break but the midfielder has called in
sick and is most unlikely to be considered. Steven Old has recovered from the same virus and is likely to be on the bench for the game at Westpac Stadium.
The right back role - filled by Old and Steve O'Dor in the first games - has become the hot potato with former New Zealand under-17 captain and defender Jeremy Christie being handed a start in that position.
"Steven [Old] hasn't done anything wrong but he is coming back after a week off so won't be starting," said Herbert. "I'm keen to try Jeremy there. He has been playing well and I'm sure he will do the job."
O'Dor, much to Herbert's surprise not wanted by the Australian under-23 team for the Olympic qualifiers, will switch to his more customary central role alongside Karl Dodd with Brazilian Cleberson being rested. Tony Lochhead retains his spot at left back.
In midfield, Herbert has again made changes with Australians Ross Aloisi, Michael Ferrante and Richard Johnson combining with Brazilians Felipe and Daniel who will provide the attacking impetus behind Shane Smeltz who takes a lone striking role. After starting up front in the first two games, Vaughan Coveny is set to make an impact from the bench.
Glen Moss will again be in goal. Mark Paston, back in work after a stand-down following his concussion, will be back in consideration for the away trip to play Sydney FC next Friday. "I'm not sure exactly how we will do it in midfield but I'm keen to try something and use Felipe and Daniel," said Herbert. "We might just change the shape a little."
Of the slow starts which have seen his side concede early goals, Herbert said he was not hitting the panic button. "We have talked about it," said Herbert.
"The players understand the need to switch on from the start. Again, we might look at doing something different.
"They have trained well. We need the space to try a few things. The Knights had two years and couldn't get it right. I can assure you we won't finish 15 points back at the bottom of the table. People just need to be a little patient."
With more than 8000 tickets pre-sold, Herbert is expecting another big crowd as his team chase their first win of the season against a Jets side who have scored only one goal in picking up draws in their first two games.
Central Coast Mariners beat Queensland Roar 1-0 away on Thursday night for a three-from-three start to go up seven points after the first game of the third round.
Line-Up
Phoenix (likely) to play Newcastle Jets
Westpac Stadium, Wellington 5pm tomorrow:
Glen Moss, Jeremy Christie, Steve O'Dor, Karl Dodd, Tony Lochhead, Ross Aloisi , Michael Ferrante, Richard Johnson, Felipe, Daniel, Shane Smeltz. Substitutes, Jacob Spoonley, Steven Old/Cleberson, Royce Brownlie, Vaughan Coveny.
