Soccer: Phoenix chasing points on road

Vince Lia expects the Phoenix to pick up more points away this season. Photo / Getty Images

The Phoenix are back in Australia preparing for their round-nine clash and hoping their record away from Westpac Stadium this season will again be their friend.

In four matches away from Wellington, Ricki Herbert's side have gathered three draws (including a "home" game at Eden Park) and a narrow 1-0 loss (on the testing trip to Perth). At their Wellington base they have managed two wins and been beaten twice by the odd goal.

Adding to their confidence is the quirk of the draw that has both the Phoenix and Melbourne Heart heading to unknown territory with tomorrow's game to be played at Morwell's Latrobe City Complex.

Phoenix midfielder Vince Lia is one who is convinced the tide is starting to turn for the better when compared with their dismal away form in the past.

Speaking before the team left for the game to be played in South Melbourne, Lia said he expected the Phoenix to pick up more points on the road this season than they have in the past.

"I've been at the club since day one and I have to admit our away form has been awful," Lia said. "We tried everything over the past four years to change that scenario but nothing seemed to work.

"It has been a disadvantage for us having to cross the Tasman every couple of weeks, and maybe our poor showing was a combination of the travel and our mental approach.

"This season though there has been a big improvement and I think we've played really well on the road," Lia said.

"Unusually we've lost a couple at home, but I'm backing us to pick up more points than normal away from Westpac Stadium."

To back his argument Lia pointed to the draws at Gold Coast and Brisbane Roar and the unlucky loss to Perth Glory at nib Stadium.

"There won't be many teams leaving Suncorp with a point and the lads did really well to grind that one out."

"It isn't easy to put a finger on what has changed but I think we are now smarter when we travel.

"In the past we have tried to play the same away as we do at home. We aren't doing that this season and it is paying dividends.

A native of Shepparton in Northern Victoria, Lia will have plenty of support in Morwell despite his family having a long way to travel for the game.

"My aunty and uncle lived in Morwell for a while and are looking forward to going back," Lia said.

"My mum and dad will be there and I'm sure there will be plenty of family support for Manny [Muscat] as well."

The only change from the Wellington Phoenix squad who beat Sydney FC 2-1 is Dani Sanchez's return after missing the last three games with a hip flexor injury. He replaces Alex Smith who picked up a foot injury during Wednesday's training.