Soccer: Sigmund backs Phoenix to overcome the odds

Ben Sigmund. Photo / Getty Images

Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund is backing a settled back four to keep out the free-scoring Roar, and says the team could even end Brisbane's imposing unbeaten record.

The All White returns from his one-week suspension and will take his place alongside Andrew Durante at the heart of the Phoenix defence. With Tony Lochhead and Manny Muscat likely to start in the fullback spots, Ricki Herbert will be able to select his first-choice backline for the first time in three weeks.

The Phoenix defence will be facing a tough ask at Suncorp Stadium, a venue in which the Roar are unbeaten in 20 games, but Sigmund felt experience at the back gave the Phoenix a chance to upset the champions.

"We've got a really mature back four. We all know each other well enough now and we're looking forward to getting out there and playing together again,'' he said.

"We've all got to play a 90-minute game and put in the best performance that we've had all year to be able to beat them - we know that.

"We've got a game plan and everyone's got to stick to that because, if someone changes it, you can put yourself into a lot of trouble. Brisbane are a great team who can score goals.''

That they can. Last season's leading scorers have already put away 15 in five games this year, with their last home game resulting in a 7-1 pummelling of Adelaide. But Sigmund said a strikeforce containing Thomas Broich, Mitch Nichols and golden boot leader Besart Berisha held no fear for the Nix.

"We've all got to talk to each other and organise and pass players on. Any little mistakes, they'll punish you, so we've got to make sure we stick to our guns.''

The Phoenix have had a few of those little mistakes this season, with red cards matching the points tally of four. Sigmund admitted ill-discipline may have cost his team in the early stages of this campaign, but did apportion some of the blame to the men in the middle.

"A lot of them were probably poor refereeing decisions,'' he said. "But we've taken a look at ourselves and how we can approach things, and how we can do things better and not pick up silly cards like that.''

Finishing with their full complement would certainly help Wellington's cause against the Roar, although the Queenslanders managed only a draw with nine-man Melbourne Victory last week.

It was a rare lapse for a Brisbane side who dropped one game all last season - an unbeaten run stretching 33 games and 14 months. The Phoenix, on the other hand, have lost three in a row but Sigmund denied the suggestion this match couldn't have come at a worse time.

"It doesn't matter when you go play Brisbane, you're going to have to play them eventually,'' he said. "You probably go into the game with that mindset because, if you don't, you could get horribly beaten.''

Aside from avoiding that fate, there was also motivation in ending the Roar's invincibility, he said, especially considering their home streak is closing in on the Phoenix's all-time record of 25 games.

"I'm sure there is. But the first thing we've got to do is look at our performances and not worry about them.''

If the Phoenix did topple the Roar it would be one of the unlikeliest results in club history. The TAB are giving them no shot, with odds of $10, but Sigmund said the squad were quietly confident.

"You've really got to believe that someone's going to beat them.''

Wellington still have only 15 fit players. Paul Ifill didn't travel with the side but it's hoped he will be available to face Adelaide at Eden Park next Saturday.