R16 vs Brisbane Roar | Sat 21st Jan | 7:35pm | RoF

just 36 hours until kick off

9 point, 3 clean sheet week

Will be interesting to see how they use the subs given it's the third game in 8 days. You'd suspect two out of 3 might come on fairly early in the second half.

I give you....

Going to miss this one. Hopefully I can find a replay.

I'm hoping for a huge crowd.

If being on our not losing streak AND just toppling a top team 3-0 doesn't do it, I have no idea what will.

We are back into the work new year so there should be enough people in Welly to fill some seats.

SMeltz plays every minute he is able to for me, he's made a big difference.  Then it's 2 out of Roy/Kosta/McGlinchey. I am minded to start McGlinchey and leave Roy on the bench as for me he is better in that wide position.

It's a fair point.  He didn't get much of a sniff on Tuesday and I thought McGlinchey had a very good game on the previous saturday and I am not sure how you fit them both in if you play Smeltz.  Tough call I agree.  A couple of points though, of those goals there were at least 2 penalties and one of his goals was an after the last minute break away.  I know a goal is a goal but he hasn't been completely convincing or reliable if you know what I mean

Broich apparently hasn't travelled. 

Maybe not quite as effective this year?  Still, that should help us...

I am going to be "contentious" and say that it should be McGlinchey, Smeltz and Barbarouses, with Roy and even Watson then used off the bench.  This is because I would see Roy and Smeltz as more central players (although very different); but if Smeltz is fit and backs up for defence as he did (also like Kosta) then it is not a bad option.  Roy took a knock against Victory and I hope he is fit - but he could also start and make way Smeltz or for Watson.  Happy to hear differing views.

Also, remember how we all used to worry earlier on about Roly and McGlinchey not fitting in in the same game plan under Ernie?  Has it all just gone away now with Roly in the centre-forward spot?

You know it's a long weekend right? Wellington anniversary.

very hard call to make. before Tuesday, I was thinking maybe Kosta off the bench to run at tired defenders, and maybe get a bit of confidence back- although i don't think he has been as bad as some think. But his confidence has to be high after Tuesday, and benching him might knock that, rather than building the hunger we want. 

Such are the pressures of football management- a good test for the new coaches :-)

Yeah well put, he has to be hungry for it

Can't wait

This will be a test for the coaches to provide the best team on the pitch vs player fatigue (extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion) experienced over the last few days.

Victory discovered what happens when the coach doesn't rotate players - a sub-standard performance

I would hate for the team to lose momentum because we try to field players that are exhausted rather than risk rotation

Rumors are that Maclaren is on the out as well and might be benched again.

We should sign Maclaren.

could we have a 4-4-2 with roy and smeltzy up top, mcglinchey, roly, a-rod and kosta across the middle. same back line

He's too expensive for us, but it would be great because of what he did during the save the nix campaign. #goodcod

Apparently no offer has been received by Roar so far, according to FOX Sport.

Fudge you're right.

Hopefully enough people see it as a reason to go out with 2 days recovery.

not likely to suit Roly

I want Agent 99 to re-open his account

fixed

Game day, fire up.  Hope the weather forecast is wrong and the rain will stay away. 

Oh Wellington

Im so sad im goingnto miss it. Whats the point of friends if they make you miss the phoenix

See you all at the Backbencher.

Finally it's Saturday

COYN!

No. Lia is undroppable. Probably he's won more ball at DM 4-2-3-1 in the last week than the rest of the team has all season. 

Can see Smeltz getting a rest but that's an age/fitness thing not a playing issue. 

Anyway whatever XI is out there shall make the Roar raw.

any cheap ticket codes floating around for this game?

Really hoping for a good crowd today. Would love to be there, will have the game on at work. Fire up, 2-0 win. 

Got a couple of friends down in Welly for the game tonight, they asked me which bar you guys usually pre drink at?

Hi, the Backbencher is where you'll find the Fever. A few may also be at the Tap Room at 3pm, (91 Aro Street) for free Garage Project beer, before heading down to the Backbencher.