KEY POINTS:
They are so close it is palpable. Eight points from their next five matches should see the Wellington Phoenix make the top four playoffs and create a little bit of history.
Already they have more points (22) and more wins (six) than any New Zealand side in four seasons of the A-League, which has gone a long way to achieving credibility both here and across the Tasman.
"If we aim for it [the playoffs] and hit the crossbar, then so be it," Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert says, borrowing an old football saying. "But our intention is to be a part of it."
If they can replicate what they have done over the past five games in their remaining fixtures, they will cruise in. Ten points from a possible 15 means they are one of the form teams of the competition. Herbert, though, thinks things will tighten up as teams vie for the top four.
"There will be a little bit of caution because there's no margin for error," he says. "Teams might not go and chase games in the way they might have before.
"We won't change our approach. Our form over the last eight or 10 weeks has been good so we don't have to do anything different. It's about maintaining momentum and adopting a no-fear policy. It's not a time to freeze. It's a bit of a stab in the dark but 30 points should put us in the frame for the playoffs."
That means another eight points will get them there. Wellington's run-in, though, is a tough one and they must face the three top teams as well as the defending champions.
The good thing is they are largely injury free - defender Ben Sigmund should be back next week - and have a striker in the best form of his career in Shane Smeltz. Their defence, Adelaide matches notwithstanding, is also in good stead.
THE RUN-IN
Today vs Queensland in Brisbane:
Queensland have been something of a bogey side for the Phoenix. Their overall record of two draws from five games is poor but their record in Brisbane is even worse - played two, lost two. There is the heat and humidity to deal with as well as a Roar side who play a fast and energetic style. They're also on a run of four games unbeaten, which sees them second on the table.
January 4 vs Newcastle in Wellington:
The defending champions could well be out of the running by the time they visit Wellington. They are rooted to the bottom of the table and their 4-2 win against Melbourne last weekend was their first in eight matches. But that result proves how dangerous they can be.
January 11 vs Sydney in Sydney:
Strangely, the Phoenix have a terrific record against the once glamour outfit of the competition. They have twice beaten them 2-1, at home and away, on top of a win, draw and loss last season. With both teams battling for the top four, this could be a crucial match in the run-in.
January 18 vs Adelaide in Wellington:
If this match was in Adelaide, you could virtually count against a Phoenix win. Over the past two seasons they have walked away from Hindmarsh having conceded 13 goals in three matches (1-4, 0-3, 1-6) but their record at the Cake Tin is marginally better (2-2, 1-2). Adelaide are the best team in the competition and also qualified for the recent Club World Cup.
January 23 vs Melbourne in Melbourne:
There are easier ways to end a regular season. The Victory have class right across the park, particularly up front where they have two of the best strikers in the league in the free-scoring Archie Thompson and Daniel Allsopp. Their results of late, however, have been a little erratic.
