Captain Andrew Durante and deputy Tim Brown are back after one-match suspensions. Brown will go back into midfield with Leo Bertos, Dani Sanchez and Vince Lia forcing American Alex Smith to the bench.
Paul Ifill, an obvious target for the home side as they attempt to reverse this season's losses to the Phoenix - 2-1 and 4-2 at Westpac Stadium - will be up front with Chris Greenacre. With Daniel out through injury, Smith will be joined on the bench by Tony Warner, Mirjan Pavlovic and Nicky Ward.
"It is difficult to watch, especially at this stage of the season, and I'm looking forward to playing again," Brown said. "It has been a tough couple of weeks for the lads and it is important that we bounce back.
"Perhaps playing the two top teams was a reality check for us, but we've worked so hard to get where we are and things are so tight in this competition that you can't afford to drop your standards.
"No player goes out to perform below their best and we haven't had too many off days this season and perhaps we were due one. It was just one of those days and we have to respond in the right way."
Herbert said it is always difficult when regular first-choice players are missing, but being without the captain and vice-captain made it more so.
"They [Durante and Brown] are so important to the team with their leadership qualities and we definitely missed them against the Mariners," said Herbert. "It is good to have them back and I'm sure you will see a much improved performance."
With a full week on Australian soil to prepare for tonight's game, the Phoenix have no excuses as they attempt to return to their winning ways which earned them an unprecedented three successive away wins in late January-early February before those losses to the Roar (at home) and then the Mariners.
A win for fourth-placed Phoenix would keep them in the hunt. They go up against Sydney just a point behind Perth and three clear of Melbourne Heart.
Sydney v Phoenix
Sydney Football Stadium
Today 7.30pm (live SS3)
Referee: Peter Green
