KEY POINTS:
Ricki Herbert is aware of the significance of tomorrow's A-League clash with Frank Farina's Queensland Roar but is determined the chance to pick up a couple of milestones should not overshadow the bigger picture.
A win at Westpac Stadium would hand the Phoenix not only their longest
"While
he started out at the back for us, he has played internationally in midfield so I'm happy to do that."
Herbert will stay with a back four including All Whites Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead at right and left back respectively.
Sigmund, normally a central defender, has adapted well to the wide role while Lochhead, when he has been given the ball, has continued to show out on the left.
Goalkeeper Mark Paston, given his chance when Glen Moss was forced out through injury, has made the most of his opportunity. With Moss now close to full fitness, Herbert might have to make a call ahead of next week's away encounter with Perth.
Tomorrow's game also gives the Phoenix the chance of a first win over Queensland. In four meetings Queensland have won two and two, including the season opener, have been drawn.
The Phoenix went into last Sunday's game against Central Coast in the same position - chasing their first win over Lawrie McKinna's side.
Farina, having copped a A$2000 $2220 fine this week for comments he made about match officials after the 1-0 loss at home to Adelaide United, must also cope with the continued absence of injured Hyuk-Su Seo and Robbie Kruse and six players on international duty. He has Sergio Van Dijk back from injury and will look to experienced defender, and captain, Craig Moore to lead the way.
The teams go into tomorrow's game, the first of two to wrap up the ninth round, with identical two win-three draw-three loss records with Queensland having a better goal difference (10-9 to 8-12).
With seven of a possible nine points in their last three outings, the Phoenix have the momentum. To be a serious contender, and they are now just three points out of third place, they must continue in the same vein.
Given their settled line-up and new-found belief, they can score another win and justify the odds which have them as $2.45 favourites ahead of Queensland's $2.75.
Phoenix v Roar:
* Westpac Stadium, 5pm Tomorrow (LIVE SS1)
* Referee: Peter O'Leary
Wellington Phoenix (likely): Mark Paston, Tony Lochhead, Andrew Durante, Karl Dodd, Ben Sigmund, Jon McKain, Tim Brown, Adam Kwasnik, Leilei Gao, Vaughan Coveny, Shane Smeltz. Substitutes: Glen Moss, Michael Ferrante, Daniel, Leo Bertos.
Queensland Roar (from): Liam Reddy, Andrew Packer, Josh McCloughan, Craig Moore, David Dodd, Michael Zullo, Massimo Murdocca, Sergio Van Dijk, Charlie Miller, Reinaldo, Matt McKay, Danny Tiatto, Griffin McMaster, Tim Smits, Matt Mundy.
