KEY POINTS:
Under-siege Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said yesterday he was "a million miles away" from naming his starting XI to play Sydney at home tomorrow. But, just as quickly, he warned "there will be changes".
The feeling, however, is he is not about to push the panic button
despite the insipid effort in going down to Perth a week ago.
Herbert accepts the fans have been let down, and that knowledge, as much as anything, has been a driving force for him and his players in the lead-up to the clash with the team Herbert rates as the one to beat.
"Last year we were a decent side to watch and the fans reacted accordingly," said Herbert. "That has not been the case this time.
"I have sensed a change in attitude this week. Now that change has to be reflected on what we do on match day.
"In some ways, Sydney are not a bad side to get in a game like this. At least you know what you are going to get. They haven't lost in the league this season. They have done that by being powerful going forward and being very solid defensively."
While the Phoenix beat Sydney 3-2 away in the Pre-Season Cup, Herbert is not reading too much into that result.
"Both teams had players out at that stage but having said that, we need to get back to something close to how we were playing at that time."
Herbert has a few options but was giving little away yesterday.
It is felt that placing playmakers Leilei Gao and Daniel on opposite sides in midfield against Perth did not work. Either could start tomorrow with the other on the bench.
There have been slight injury concerns with right back David Mulligan which could lead to a change with Jeremy Christie or perhaps Ben Sigmund if needed. Vaughan Coveny, who started in the last home game but did not travel to Perth, could come into contention despite his open criticism of Herbert's decision not to take him to Perth.
There is added pressure on the Phoenix in light of good efforts by other New Zealand teams - the Warriors and the Breakers - in Australian competitions but as Herbert pointed out, they needed time to find their feet.
Soccer fans might not have quite the same patience. They want results, starting tomorrow.
PHOENIX
Wellington Phoenix (from): Glen Moss, Tony Lochhead, Andrew Durante , Jon McKain, David Mulligan, Ben Sigmund, Richard Johnson, Michael Ferrante, Troy Hearfield, Tim Brown, Karl Dodd, Jeremy Christie, Shane Smeltz, Leilei Gao, Daniel, Adam Kwasnik, Vaughan Coveny, Mark Paston.
SYDNEY FC
Sydney FC (from): Clint Bolton, Iain Fyfe, Mitchell Prentice, Tony Popovic, Robbie Middleby, Stuart Musialik, Steve Corica, Brendon Santalab, Shannon Cole, Alex Brosque, Terry McFlynn, Mark Bridge, Ivan Necevski, John Aloisi, Dez Giraldi, Matthew Jurman.
THE GAME
* Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC
* Westpac Stadium, Wellington
* Tomorrow 5pm live
