Soccer: No time like the present for the Phoenix to strike

Ricki Herbert has faith that Paul Ifill will meet his targets. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Between them the Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC have won only once in nine outings this A-League season, and although tonight's battle at Westpac Stadium is not yet quite a "dance of the desperates" there are concerns, obviously, in both camps.

Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka is under more pressure than Ricki Herbert at the Phoenix as he crossed the Tasman in last place and with the equal worst defensive record.

Herbert will hope he can add to that misery but he will need his much-vaunted strikeforce to step up.

Since Chris Greenacre, with two, and Paul Ifill scored in the opening 3-3 draw with Gold Coast in Wellington, only Ifill, on the hour against Central Coast in game two, has scored.

New signing Dylan Macallister, brought in to bolster the scoring stocks, has yet to score. The Phoenix's other two goals have been scored by a midfielder - Leo Bertos in the 2-0 win over Central Coast - and a defender, Ben Sigmund in last weekend's 2-1 loss in Perth.

"Our conversion rate, given the possession we have had, has been poor," said Herbert. "All the front-runners are feeling the pressure but it is a collective thing.

"Paul Ifill had two cleared off the line against Perth and I'm sure he has a target in mind. He got 13 last season and I expect he will be close to that again. But I agree we can do better in midfield with our crosses and distribution in general."

Herbert will not name his team until closer to game time.

Regular right back Manny Muscat returned yesterday afternoon after playing part games for Malta in this week's internationals but new signing Jade North was delayed and was not expected to arrive until midnight.

"I will wait and have a talk with Jade in the early afternoon before making any call on whether he will play," said Herbert.

"If he is okay I would probably look to start him.

"There would be no point putting him on the bench if he felt he was not ready." Herbert did say that there will be two changes from the starting line-up who ran out against Perth with goalkeeper Mark Paston out with a neck injury. He will be replaced by Danny Vukovic. Midfielder Vince Lia is also doubtful with a slight hamstring strain.

In four meetings last season Sydney were victorious 2-0 and 3-1 at home in the regular season and 4-2 in the play-offs. They also beat the Phoenix 1-0 away but that game was played in Palmerston North, which leaves the Phoenix with that amazing unbeaten run at their "real" home which they will be keen to stretch to 22 in the A-League tonight. Few would bet against that.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX v SYDNEY FC
Westpac Stadium
Today 7.15pm (live SS3)
Referee: Chris Beath