WPM R12 vs Central Coast Mariners | Tue 6th Feb | 4:00pm | RoF / Sky Sport 1 - Kids go free!

So is this a chance for OVH to start?  He is no Zawada, but unless Italiano wants to change formation, OVH could play Zawada's role?
And what are the likely subs on the bench, apart from Conchie and Hughes?   I have to say I liked what I saw of Hughes against Brisbane, very composed under pressure - much like Surman was in his early outings in previous season/s.

theaucklandphoenixfan

You can just walk over and sit at the other side. a few people do.but you’ll be further away from the atmosphere.

Bairny

Oh, by the way ... anyone else a bit miffed by the Stadium dictating that we have to sit facing into the sun!!!  My original season tickets (for 8 years or so) were in Aisle 11 - specifically so we DIDN'T have to face into the sun!!!!
Just saying
B 

Amongst 100 odd Nix supporters at the Suncorp, shirts off and 'We Are, we are top of the league' chant was awesome. Soooo much fun (even if only for 5 mins). The chant was happening even at 0-0. Why not.

Heady days, and who knows how long it will last. Buy some sun glasses and get yourself in or near the YF zone tomorrow. 

Mainland FC

So is this a chance for OVH to start?  He is no Zawada, but unless Italiano wants to change formation, OVH could play Zawada's role?
And what are the likely subs on the bench, apart from Conchie and Hughes?   I have to say I liked what I saw of Hughes against Brisbane, very composed under pressure - much like Surman was in his early outings in previous season/s.

I think Van Hattum is a bit wasted up front though. He’s a good crosser, strong on the ball and carries the ball well. I think he’s better with some width and in a deeper role. 

martinb

Mainland FC

So is this a chance for OVH to start?  He is no Zawada, but unless Italiano wants to change formation, OVH could play Zawada's role?
And what are the likely subs on the bench, apart from Conchie and Hughes?   I have to say I liked what I saw of Hughes against Brisbane, very composed under pressure - much like Surman was in his early outings in previous season/s.

I think Van Hattum is a bit wasted up front though. He’s a good crosser, strong on the ball and carries the ball well. I think he’s better with some width and in a deeper role. 

Fair enough - by now I am half expecting 5-3-2 on the park.  We have a thin bench though; neither Zawada nor Old looked fit last Friday night 

Al Taay being out at the start of the match will be difficult... Chief said he cannot play 90 so I'm wondering what the midfield might look like. Old being fit would be really nice but thats not even confirmed as Chief said they need to wait to see how he trains today.
Will we see Conchie starting? I like the look of the kid but his performances so far have been pretty shark... I'm sure he'll develop but this is probably a step to far for him starting against the Mariners

I saw Conchie having wobbles against Brisbane but i would think that was to be expected.  Kelly-Heald had similar baptism of fire early on but he has taken it in his stride. If Conchie has good potential then we would see at least some time from him.

martinb

Mainland FC

So is this a chance for OVH to start?  He is no Zawada, but unless Italiano wants to change formation, OVH could play Zawada's role?
And what are the likely subs on the bench, apart from Conchie and Hughes?   I have to say I liked what I saw of Hughes against Brisbane, very composed under pressure - much like Surman was in his early outings in previous season/s.

I think Van Hattum is a bit wasted up front though. He’s a good crosser, strong on the ball and carries the ball well. I think he’s better with some width and in a deeper role. 

Not afraid of a meaty tackle. Bred them tough in the Naki. Like a few others I was questioning OVH's value at ALM level - but credit to him he is starting to show he belongs. Contributed towards about 3 goals now. When he scores his first, he's gonna be a happy boy.

Going be very interesting to see what formation Chiefy goes with.
As someone else suggested, as soon as Salas is ready to play sounds (like Macarthur away) they should properly rest Old for a few weeks so he can get back to full health & fitness, as finals loom into view. But yeah at the moment the Nix with their thin squad (too many suspensions happening in a cluster) need Old off the bench.

Mainland FC

So is this a chance for OVH to start?  He is no Zawada, but unless Italiano wants to change formation, OVH could play Zawada's role?
And what are the likely subs on the bench, apart from Conchie and Hughes?   I have to say I liked what I saw of Hughes against Brisbane, very composed under pressure - much like Surman was in his early outings in previous season/s.

OvH not really a 9.  Could probably play there, but better on the wing with space to run into. 

Conchie has come on when we are trying to keep a lead and we have played exceedingly defensive, like the last game. 

Hard to showcase anything really when you are simply surviving.

Pax 5890

With the members added on, 10k is on 

(Yes, I’ve now bought three sets of tickets, with more and more people wanting to join) 

I’ve been trying to get a mate along for years, and he’s coming to his first game tomorrow…it’s cool to see some momentum building, and fans returning. Hopefully we lock some in for future season, old and new. 

Up the Nix, so proud of the boys so far this season 

Biggest pre-game thread! Guna be a huge challenge. Firing up! 
Come on the Fever! Come on Phoenix! 

Pumped!! Now let’s not get blown out

Now we need to go out and bloody win so the casual fans stay on the Nix hype train!

Come ooooon phoeeeniiiiix

Yo let's go lads

It's Game Day!  Come On You Nix!!!!!!

Bananas

Now we need to go out and bloody win so the casual fans stay on the Nix hype train!

Come ooooon phoeeeniiiiix

last thing we need tomorrow (today for you lot in Wellington), is the Nix to blow out and we lose all the bandwagoners.

I really hope the boys play their hearts out and get that win no matter how ugly... or dirty!

Can’t fudgeing wait. Waitangi Day march and celebration, followed by the nix, happy days. Lets fudgeing do this!

About to head to Brisbane airport hopefully the flight isnt delayed as hope to head straight to the game after landing.

Up the Nix! Come on lads fire up 🔥🔥🔥 absolutely massive game.

Can we stop the form team in the comp with an injury hit lineup? Would be a huge statement if we can! I feel we need to drag them into a physical arm restle today!

Frustrate them lads! Get your elbows out! 🔥🔥🔥

A massive test for our defence today. Let's go boys!

I'd take a draw quite happily... even a 3 - 2 loss if its a great game and gets the pundents returning.

So nervous… fire up!

MetalLegNZ

I'd take a draw quite happily... even a 3 - 2 loss if its a great game and gets the pundents returning.

I agree. 
Winning is good, but selling out the stadium because we play well, is even better.

With Mo limited to the bench, unless Old is able to start or Chief has more confidence in Conchie, we might line up like this:

IMG_6274.jpeg 460.38 KB

If we do, I can see the Mariners switching Torres to the right wing and trying to exploit LKH/Hughes.

Pax was a shade under 7000 about ~90 mins ago.

Doesn't pax not include certain groups like season ticket holders as well?

zonknz

Pax was a shade under 7000 about ~90 mins ago.

How bloody good! Definitely over 10k then

Pax 7600! 10k is on!!
Pax doesnt include nix members, stadium members  or junior members

TAB has us at $3.00 for a win...
CCM at $2.20

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350169070/wellington-phoenix-ready-test-themselves-against-league-men-benchmark

Payne’s return from a two-match suspension is timely as his fresh legs will be crucial for the second of three matches in quick succession. 

The All Whites right back will be tasked with marking Central Coast’s new Colombian star Angel Torres.

coochiee

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350169070/wellington-phoenix-ready-test-themselves-against-league-men-benchmark

Payne’s return from a two-match suspension is timely as his fresh legs will be crucial for the second of three matches in quick succession. 

The All Whites right back will be tasked with marking Central Coast’s new Colombian star Angel Torres.

The left winger has scored four goals in his past three games, which suggests Payne could be in for a busy afternoon.

Torres might be a great distraction allowing Theoharous to rampage on the right hand side against LKH and Hughes instead.

I hope the idiots who were in the away zone for the game against Victory will be conspicuously absent today.

Pax now at 8161! Fire up

Oh Wellington!

wilbaker

Pax now at 8161! Fire up

 
This is awesome… 

wilbaker

Pax now at 8161! Fire up

Now at 8464

alexobc

wilbaker

Pax now at 8161! Fire up

Now at 8464

Think we'll be able to hit 12k plus

How many people roll up and by tickets on the day, usually it's a few right?

Nommag

How many people roll up and by tickets on the day, usually it's a few right?

 at the gate? Bugger all.