Soccer: Jets a tough rematch for Phoenix

The Wellington Phoenix will chase some early Christmas joy tonight but it will take a big effort if they are to leave Westpac Stadium in a jolly mood after what will be a tough test against a Newcastle Jets XI who beat them a month ago.

Both teams will be without their regular captains, with Andrew Durante and Ljubo Milicevic suspended.

It will be the first time in a season and a half of Hyundai A-League football that Durante has not pulled on his boots after playing every minute of their last 50 matches.

Milicevic received a second yellow, then red, card in Wednesday's 2-0 home win over third-placed Gold Coast - their third victory in 11 days.

The win, which hoisted the Jets into fifth place - two ahead of the Phoenix - equalled their best unbeaten run.

Newcastle coach Branko Culina crossed the Tasman yesterday well-satisfied with his team's return to form.

"The key point for us was to be patient and play good football," said Culina after the win. "Credit to the players, they were superb."

In Durante's absence Tim Brown will lead the side in his 75th outing for the Phoenix. That takes him ahead of injured Tony Lochhead as the club's most regular player.

Leo Bertos, who played his early A-League football with Perth, will join the "100 club" tonight while Paul Ifill, in his second season, will play his 50th.

At the other end of the scale, Wellington youngster Marco Rojas is almost certain to be handed his first start.

With Durante sidelined, Ben Sigmund will switch from right back to his favoured central role alongside Jade North. Manny Muscat will drop from midfield to left back with Troy Hearfield swapping to the right.

Coach Ricki Herbert has yet to decide who will partner Ifill up front with Chris Greenacre and Dylan McAllister bracketed.

Whoever does not play will join young defender James Musa, Daniel and back-up goalkeeper Reece Crowther on the bench.

The pressure is on the home side who must win if they are to remain a factor in the play-off race.

"Every time we've played well we've picked up points," said Herbert.

"So from a performance point of view it'll be important to get that right and the boys know that with a good performance come the rewards."

Goalkeeper Mark Paston is out and will not be seen again this season as he recovers from a nasty knee injury but the Phoenix are well-served by Danny Vukovic.

It is the same scenario they faced last season when Paston was also forced out - with a very similar injury to his other knee.

On that occasion Liam Reddy stepped in, played exceptionally well and helped steer the Phoenix through to the preliminary final.

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets
* Westpac Stadium, 7pm today (live SS1).
* Referee: Jarred Gillett.