There will be no holding back when an under-strength Wellington Phoenix team runs out to play defending Hyundai A-League champions Sydney FC at the Football Stadium tonight.
Needing just one point to confirm their place in the top six and with it a guaranteed playoff spot, coach Ricki Herbert could
be excused if he played it cautiously and waited until Sunday's home game with cellar dwellers North Queensland Fury to claim the goodies.
But Herbert is in no such mood, knowing that any kind of result tonight will slam the door on the Newcastle Jets who need handsome wins in their remaining two games to have even the faintest hope of getting up.
"We've had to make adjustments because of injuries and suspensions but we have to take a positive attitude into the game even though we need just one point," Herbert said.
"Professional football clubs throughout the world have to deal with things like suspensions and injury during a season and we are no different.
"Bringing two young Kiwi boys [Sean Lovemore and Aaron Clapham] into the squad is exciting for the game here, and whether they get game time or not the experience of this environment will be good for them."
It will be different for young James Musa, who knows he will be starting, but it promises to be a far cry from his debut against Melbourne Victory in November after a sleepless night.
Tossing and turning, he worried about playing in the unfamiliar position of left back where he would face the torrid pace of Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse.
After a tentative start, the 18-year-old found his feet and was in a better frame of mind when he took the field as a substitute against Newcastle Jets.
Tonight he will make his second start after going to bed last night dreaming about scoring a goal from a cross by his great mate Marco Rojas.
The two teenagers spend virtually every minute together while on the road and Musa has loved watching Rojas make such an impact.
With regular centre backs Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund missing, Musa will partner Socceroo Jade North in the heart of defence with regular fullbacks Tony Lochhead and Troy Hearfield alongside.
The rest of the team is unchanged from the XI who started in the 1-0 weekend win over Adelaide. Lovemore and Clapham join Toto and back-up goalkeeper Reece Crowther on the bench.
A-LEAGUE
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Sydney Football Stadium
Today 9pm (live SS1)
Ricki Herbert's Wellington Phoenix need one point to confirm their place in the top six. Photo / Getty Images
There will be no holding back when an under-strength Wellington Phoenix team runs out to play defending Hyundai A-League champions Sydney FC at the Football Stadium tonight.
Needing just one point to confirm their place in the top six and with it a guaranteed playoff spot, coach Ricki Herbert could
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.