Match 2 vs Macarthur | Sat 9th Jan | 7.05pm | SS7

Think Piscopo is still out.

Yes I think they will save him till the next game as they have a two week break after Macarthur. I'd like to see how Lewis goes along side Davila with Hemed up top.

Originally I wasn't feeling to good about this one but between putting up a decent performance against Sydney FC and them going down 2-0 to the Mariners I think we have a fair chance in this one.

I also like how the header for this thread is "Match 1 vs Macarthur".   It reminds us that the R1 game against SFC should not be seen as a full strength game on our part. Bring on the real season opener.

I think the league has improved a lot this year in terms of quality. I think Alan Stajcic has done a great job at the Mariners, especially by bringing and using their quite talented products of their youth academy which is one of the best in Australia. I think Macarthur are stronger than us in the middle, through Milligan and Benat but their wingers (Goleg and Franjic) is their weak spot. If we play like we did in the last 25 minutes vs Sydney we definitely have a shot here, key will be to do it for whole 90, as they do have the ammunition to hurt any team

They smashed us in preseason and will smash us this week. 4 - 1 Bulls.

I'm gonna love this game. They are my second favourite team - Namely because of where they are from. MacArthur is an awesome area from my experience. I loved my trip there. They seem a decent squad. I hope the Nix win but I also hope the Bulls have a decent season along with CCM. Nice to see the Victory towards the bottom.

Nothing like spread betting ;)

Not sure what to make of this. Pre-season wasn't great, but it was just that, pre-season.  Hopefully el Mago and Hemed show us this partnership they've spoken of after having another week of working together and some proper game time under them.

I watched bits of the Bulls' first game and they weren't half bad. The thing is - neither were we. And we know all about what it's like to be a new team, with new players, coaches, fans etc. Let's hope our superior experience and team spirit, along increased fitness of key players like Davila and Hemed can make a difference.

This Point

we will need to be at our best. It will be quite a contest.

So will we get to see the away kit here?

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1.Stefan MARINOVIC (gk), 2.Liam McGING, 3.Luke DEVERE, 4.Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI, 5.James MCGARRY, 6.Tim PAYNE, 8.Cameron DEVLIN, 9.David BALL, 10.Ulises DAVILA, 11.Jaushua SOTIRIO, 12.Matthew RIDENTON, 14.Alex RUFER, 15.Mirza MURATOVIC, 16.Louis FENTON, 17.Tomer HEMED, 18.Ben WAINE, 19.Sam SUTTON, 20.Oliver SAIL, 21.Joshua LAWS, 23.Clayton LEWIS

**2 to be omitted**

Ins: 4.Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI (promoted), 19.Sam SUTTON (promoted)

Unavailable: 7.Reno PISCOPO (calf injury, 1 week).

Stephen Lucas with the whistle, Nix are P12 W3 D6 L3 under him.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/12...

Any Christchurch based fans - get on down to Robbie's Riccarton for viewing. 

Hopefully see you there again Mainland FC!

3 points tonight please phoenix!

new away kit looks nice. Hope it’s a winner!

I've already asked my GP to up my blood pressure meds, so I am good to go

Our strongest starting 11?

I hope to find out if Lewis has what it takes at this level. Last weekend he showed some good moves against Sydney but was not a standout.  May need some time to develop better understanding with those around him.

Jealous of them playing Bulls on Parade right up until kick-off.

not off side, old or new interpretation

Cmon- get one

positive start. 

... Initial thoughts are that I wonder if Rufer will ever score. 

Pretty outstanding first 10 mins. They've barely crossed halfway.

they're kicking Davila reflexively 

I like Hemed already

Great start but it all counts for nothing if we don't get it in the back of the net.

Playing some excellent stuff so far nonetheless...

4-5 really good chances and no goals 

One of those have to bloody go in

really needed to score during that initial period of dominance.

That kit looks outstanding! Lot's of effort, hope we don't get nailed on a counter. Certainly very positive.

Very much so, hopefully we’re not made to pay. Decent game regardless though, entertaining from both sides

Nice footwork from Rufer. Looking good so far.

looks like a wind behind us?

Though flags are still 

Considering he's played as a striker for the all whites you'd hope so.

Lewis already looking more comfortable this week too. And McGarry has done more attacking down his wing than he managed all game last week.

Anyone keeping a Davilla foul count? Reckon that's at least four on him now.

fourth got the card. Other challenges nowhere near the ball, just trying to stop him.

They are fouling him like they used to foul Roly Bonavencia