Wellington Phoenix players celebrate a goal against the Newcastle Jets. Photo / Getty Images.
After a poor start to the season, Wellington Phoenix's growing belief they have turned the corner will be scrutinised by Central Coast Mariners in an eighth round A-League soccer match in Gosford.
The Phoenix have picked up four points from a possible six with a win and a
draw in their last two matches, both away, but coach Ricki Herbert expects the Mariners to test his side.
"They are a tough team to beat, it will probably be one of the hardest away games you could face," Herbert said.
" They were three down against Adelaide in their last match but showed a lot of resilience to come back to draw 3-3.
"It is up to us to knuckle down and make sure we are ready."
Sunday's match will mark the seventh time the two sides have met in all competitive fixtures.
Save for a 0-1 loss in the first round of the 2008 Pre-Season Cup, the Mariners have a strong record against the Phoenix, winning the first four meetings between the two clubs, three of which came at home at Bluetongue Stadium.
"Pre-season, we were the better side on the day, but in the competition it was an ugly 0-0 draw (in the fourth round) but we managed to salvage something," Herbert said.
After beating Sydney 2-1 in the sixth round, the Phoenix followed up with a 2-2 draw with Newcastle in their last match.
Midfielder Jeremy Christie will miss the Mariners match because of a minor groin injury and has been replaced by Jon McKain.
The club will be strengthened with the return of livewire winger Leo Bertos who has missed the last five matches with a groin strain.
"I don't know if I will start, but I'm just fizzing to play after being out the game for so long," Bertos told NZPA.
Herbert said "a side pretty close to the last match" was likely to be named for the Mariners' match.
" We've got a lot of quality players and they have to keep moving their performances forward otherwise doors will open for others.
"There's confidence and belief back in the squad. We go there with the belief we can get something out of a match as opposed to three weeks ago."
- NZPA
