Ricki Herbert will waste no time in pressing Leilei Gao and David Mulligan into action as he chases a first win in the new A-League season in Adelaide tonight.
With both players back from injury, Herbert, while saying he is far from in panic mode, is almost certain
to start the pair at Hindmarsh Stadium. He also has former Perth Glory and All Whites midfielder Leo Bertos ready to play but is unlikely to start him if Gao is in the playing XI.
"We are not sure whether they are both ready to go the distance," said Herbert before Thursday's flight.
"Either Leilei or Leo will start, the other will come off the bench."
In including this trio, Herbert has left fullback Manny Muscat and striker Vaughan Coveny behind.
Asked whether he was tempted to make wholesale changes after the disappointing 4-1 home loss to Melbourne Victory on Sunday, Herbert said, "You could consider a multitude of things", but he is not going to panic.
"All we want is a decent pitch and to get rid of the basic, simple mistakes which cost us. Again, we learned if you make mistakes at this level you will get punished. Everyone just needs to relax and take a look at the situation.
"After two rounds only one team has won at home, which shows it does not matter where you get the points from _ as long as you get them."
While normally reliable goalkeeper Glen Moss was having the finger pointed at him for a couple of costly errors in the wet in Wellington, Herbert is not about to ditch him.
"He was a candidate for goalkeeper of the season last time," said Herbert.
"Like all players, keepers sometimes have an off day. Again, I'm not going to panic."
Adelaide are an unknown, having played the Pre-Season Cup in the other pool. But they are one of three teams heading the table with a win and a draw from the opening rounds, so Herbert is wary of the South Australians, who have yet to lose to the Phoenix.
Queensland are at home to Central Coast Mariners in the game of the round tomorrow.
