vs Sydney FC, 7.30pm Sat

Just be glad you're not playing us today!!

I woke up at 14:00 hrs this afternoon to 46 fucking degs!!

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Preview-Sydney-FC-v-Wellington-Phoenix/58415

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2013
Kick-off: 5.30pm AEDT
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Head-to-head:
Played 19: Wins: Sydney 9, Wellington 9, Draws: 1

Previous encounter:
Wellington 1-2 Sydney FC, December 9, 2012

Form:
Past five matches:
Sydney FC: LWLDW
Phoenix: DWLLL

The Game:
These two sides are propping up the rest of the A-League competition which means a victory is vital for both, while a loss would prove almost fatal to their finals chances.

Ninth-placed Sydney at least come into this encounter in winning form, having come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over the Melbourne Heart last weekend. Experienced striker Joel Griffiths is finally available after joining the club last month and he could be drafted straight into the starting line-up.

There was bad news for defender Pascal Bosschaart this week, with the Dutchman ruled out for the rest of the season due to a heel injury. The Phoenix are in their worst run of form in recent memory, last Sunday's 2-0 home loss to Western Sydney the club's third on the trot.

Ricki Herbert's side are badly missing the likes of Paul Ifill and Manny Muscat and will be desperate to get the pair back on the pitch as soon as possible. These sides have already met twice this season for one win apiece, with the Sky Blues clinching the most recent game 2-1 in Wellington in what was coach Frank Farina's first victory.

The Big Issue
Sydney: The club was quick to say it was a non-issue and they had moved on but the on-field spat between Alessandro Del Piero and Ali Abbas is something Farina needs to ensure he gets on top of stamps out for good.

There is nothing wrong with players showing disappointment at themselves or with each other if things are going wrong but if it's allowed to fester for a while it will do no good for team morale or performance.

Wellington: Ricki Herbert has done a superb job with Wellington in the last few seasons but the experienced coach faces a huge challenge in coming weeks.

Confidence must be at an all-time low among the players who have lost three games on the trot and propping up the rest of the competition. Herbert needs to ensure the side get that confidence and enjoyment back in their game before it's too late.

Prediction: Sydney 2-0 Phoenix
There may still be 10 games to go after this one but it's got to the stage where defeat for either side in this clash would just about end their finals hopes.

Farina said last week his side had to win their next two home games to stay alive and after (just) seeing off the Heart they will be confident of completing that goal. There is never too much between these two sides as the head-to-head record suggests but with Sydney now having a formidable focal point in attack it should give them the edge.

Game day, fire up!!

FT Smurfs!  Fire up

Ahhh... Gameday.Don't ya just love it

"Huge Font"  COYN

Don't forget to bring your wooden spoons to the 4 Kings.

COYN!!!!!!

Wooden spoon sword fight FTW.

Sword fight? Don't cross the streams is my advice...

 As much as I would like to win tonight!!!

I would not mind if we lost and played decent football.

COYN

 Its all about total football Jeff :P

Tell me all about it oh wise one he he he.

 We can talk more about it once we play such quality football tonight :D

 Am looking forward to the game with a few quiet beers and a win, otherwise copious amounts of beer and early to bed.

as long as sackwacker doesnt score ill be happy

also think its too soon to have ifill on the bench - i want him playing 90 for the ressies to make sure he isnt injured

 I would rather have Ifill sit on the bench then Lindsay. And give Ifill 15 mins at the end

Ifill definitly needs to play in Napier on Wednesday [selfish reasons]

Phoenix in showdown with fellow cellar side 

 Apparently it is raining in Sydney atm, we totally got this then. Nix 2-1 (it is always 2-1 against Sydney).

Has the team been named yet? <insert can't be bothered checking rest of thread smiley>

 Meme's aren't banned but we prefer them to be funny (insert above meme here).

Nix tonight v Syd: Paston Bertos Sigmund Durante Lochhead Smith Lia Sanchez Boyd Brockie Huysegems Subs:Moss Fenton Ifill Totori#SYDvNIX

@WgtnPhoenixFC: Nix tonight v Syd: Paston Bertos Sigmund Durante Lochhead Smith Lia Sanchez Boyd Brockie Huysegems Subs:Moss Fenton Ifill Totori #SYDvNIX

team

edit - beaten for speed and colour

Wouldve rather seen lindsay not smith. Hes kaka. Even moreso this season

Would've rather seen Moss not Paston IMO.

Regarding Smith, I think that's a good thing. Otherwise our midfield would be over run more than usual.

He needs to go work on his game with gareth morgan

Hes not putting moss in he just back. Let a brother grab some bench for a game at least

Smith means we will win a few headers for once.

no feedee trollee

Alright boys, don't make me have to drink myself to sleep, work in the morning.

COYN!!!

COYN