KEY POINTS:
In a former life Ricki Herbert worked for his father as harness racing trainer. In that environment he was happy to have the odd flutter.
Heading into tomorrow night's Hyundai A-League battle with Sydney FC across the Tasman, Herbert is chasing a winning trifecta which could go a long way to securing a top four play-off spot for his Wellington Phoenix.
In two matches against John Kosmina's side this season, the Phoenix have won 2-1 to claim maximum points. In the only two matches, of five, at the Sydney Football Stadium the Wellingtonians have also claimed all the points.
"But in reality that doesn't mean too much," said Herbert after a final training session yesterday. "It's tough to win in this league. You only have to look at last season's champions Newcastle. They are at the bottom of the table.
"Sydney have lost four on the bounce so will be fired up for this one. They certainly won't do us any favours."
Sydney will be without injured John Aloisi and also have Adam Casey sidelined. Young fullback Matt Jurman is out after his red card in the dying seconds of last week's 2-0 loss to Adelaide.
Herbert too has been forced to make changes with Ben Sigmund, who answered the call to play in place of suspended captain Andrew Durante in the 3-0 win over Newcastle last Sunday, staying home to give himself more time to regain full fitness. Durante will step back into the central defensive role.
The return of Jon McKain, who also missed the Newcastle game through suspension, forces young Costa Barbarouses out in the only other change.
"I'm not sure what we will do in midfield yet," said Herbert.
"We could go with Daniel and Troy Hearfield or maybe Daniel and Jon McKain. I won't make that call until we get over there on Saturday night."
With the play-offs looming, Herbert is aware of the importance of every game.
"Who knows what we have to do. It could be a win and a draw might be enough. On the other hand two wins might not do it," said Herbert.
"What we do know is that the next two games are crucial.
"We can only worry about those. You can't guess what might happen elsewhere."
In the second of the round 19 fixtures - Adelaide played Newcastle late last night - Central Coast are home to Queensland tonight while Perth host Melbourne in tomorrow's late game.
