A League title tracker: Come on Phoenix!

Who would the Nix least want to play in their 2 legged semi, from -

Melbourne Victory (3rd, 41 pts),  Sydney (4th, 38 pts), Macarthur (5th, 38 pts), Western Sydney (6th, 34 pts) or Melbourne City (7th, 30 pts, but game in hand)?
I'm going to rule out anyone else from making the top 6, as they basically need WSW & MC to get no points in their last 2 or 3 games.

I'd say on current form Nix would most want to avoid the VUC. They have some very good dangerous players. The Nix's win Friday night had an element of luck, with VUC having strong chances to win it earlier for sure. And Nix's record against the VUC at AAMI Park is awful.

Just as minor subplot to the above, tonight's last gasp WSW loss to Sydney does leave the door ever so slightly ajar for Adelaide to worm their way into the finals. A few other results need to play out but, importantly, there is at least a possibility of the Reds being highly motivated to beat a very fatigued CCM next weekend.

We need:
a) Adelaide to beat Western United on Tuesday night
b) Preferably Perth to take a point or three off Melbourne City tomorrow
c) WSW to lose to City next weekend or at least draw, but not win as this would finish Adelaide before they even got on the park vs CCM on Sunday.

Even two City wins would leave Adelaide technically still able to sneak in on the last day, so long as they beat CCM. All a bit straw-clutchy but hey stranger things have happened!

Sydney vs Macarthur & WSW v City next weekend, so the standings might shake up a little.

I’m a bit concerned too much is being made or CCM’s Kyrgyz trip. It’s long haul but they have a good wider squad, they’ll be flying business class, they’ll all knock themselves out with some drug or other and will be fairly well rested, and the Kyrgyz league is poor.

We really just need Newcastle or Adelaide to play out of their skins.

We also need to beat Newcastle and MacArthur which will not be easy.  

Adelaide also have a mid week game before playing CCM on the weekend. Sure they don't have to travel so far but....

loyalgunner

I’m a bit concerned too much is being made or CCM’s Kyrgyz trip. It’s long haul but they have a good wider squad, they’ll be flying business class, they’ll all knock themselves out with some drug or other and will be fairly well rested, and the Kyrgyz league is poor.

We really just need Newcastle or Adelaide to play out of their skins.

You’re saying all the travel travel talk about us not winning enough abroad is all really not a problem if you take some drugs and fly first class?

InsulinMachine

anaveragestem

theaucklandphoenixfan

Nah you’ll defenitely get a ticket. Just make sure you are aware when they go on public sale. I imagine we could get upwards of 20k to the game but the tickets won’t all go straight away, especially that they seem to be planning to get them on sale in the coming week

I'd be shocked if it isn't a sell out honestly. There are a lot of long aggrieved nix fans who will be travelling in from all over NZ

I personally think the only game that would sell out would be the GF. I'm in Chch and haven't been to a Nix game in years. While I'd love to fly up for a semi final, cost of living makes it hard for many so some would probably just stay home and watch on TV. GF I'll be on the first plane to Welly though 

We came damn close to a sell-out in the semifinal against the Jets in 2009/10

No, I’m saying there are enough mitigations in play that I don’t think it’s as big a factor as others on this forum are saying (or in all likelihood hoping). Which is exactly what my initial message says.

number8

loyalgunner

I’m a bit concerned too much is being made or CCM’s Kyrgyz trip. It’s long haul but they have a good wider squad, they’ll be flying business class, they’ll all knock themselves out with some drug or other and will be fairly well rested, and the Kyrgyz league is poor.

We really just need Newcastle or Adelaide to play out of their skins.

You’re saying all the travel travel talk about us not winning enough abroad is all really not a problem if you take some drugs and fly first class?

Hey what’s happened to Zawada? Is he just done for ‘24? 

Chief has said he's potentially available for the finals and Zawada has been active on social media saying he never gives up. He hasn't been training with the team though so I wouldn't bank on it 

That was with the momentum of an exciting playoff game the week before, in front of 20k+. The Nix just haven't been able to build attendance momentum this year, and have only one home game left which will be two weeks before the semi.

I predict the semifinal crowd will be less than 20k. 

Doloras

InsulinMachine

anaveragestem

theaucklandphoenixfan

Nah you’ll defenitely get a ticket. Just make sure you are aware when they go on public sale. I imagine we could get upwards of 20k to the game but the tickets won’t all go straight away, especially that they seem to be planning to get them on sale in the coming week

I'd be shocked if it isn't a sell out honestly. There are a lot of long aggrieved nix fans who will be travelling in from all over NZ

I personally think the only game that would sell out would be the GF. I'm in Chch and haven't been to a Nix game in years. While I'd love to fly up for a semi final, cost of living makes it hard for many so some would probably just stay home and watch on TV. GF I'll be on the first plane to Welly though 

We came damn close to a sell-out in the semifinal against the Jets in 2009/10

imanixsupporter

That was with the momentum of an exciting playoff game the week before, in front of 20k+. The Nix just haven't been able to build attendance momentum this year, and have only one home game left which will be two weeks before the semi.

I predict the semifinal crowd will be less than 20k. 

Doloras

InsulinMachine

anaveragestem

theaucklandphoenixfan

Nah you’ll defenitely get a ticket. Just make sure you are aware when they go on public sale. I imagine we could get upwards of 20k to the game but the tickets won’t all go straight away, especially that they seem to be planning to get them on sale in the coming week

I'd be shocked if it isn't a sell out honestly. There are a lot of long aggrieved nix fans who will be travelling in from all over NZ

I personally think the only game that would sell out would be the GF. I'm in Chch and haven't been to a Nix game in years. While I'd love to fly up for a semi final, cost of living makes it hard for many so some would probably just stay home and watch on TV. GF I'll be on the first plane to Welly though 

We came damn close to a sell-out in the semifinal against the Jets in 2009/10

That Jets playoff was also off the back of the Bahrain game, WC qualification for the first time in 28 years and just a lot of general football goodwill/hype.

Playoff was also a mid afternoon kick off on a balmy early March day (7th March 2010). This time out it's going to be early May 2 months later, edging into winter.

Terry money, a press that wanted to keep in good with a guy in *property*, ie the NZ economy, and also probably a better economy? Craft beer brewers were opening not closing. Flight coffee took off. Things seem a bit grim right now in Welly, what with all the firing squads in the public service, sewage pipes etc. Wasn’t in the news 15 years ago…

Affulent as opposed to effulent times.

coochiee

Who would the Nix least want to play in their 2 legged semi, from -

Melbourne Victory (3rd, 41 pts),  Sydney (4th, 38 pts), Macarthur (5th, 38 pts), Western Sydney (6th, 34 pts) or Melbourne City (7th, 30 pts, but game in hand)?
I'm going to rule out anyone else from making the top 6, as they basically need WSW & MC to get no points in their last 2 or 3 games.

I'd say on current form Nix would most want to avoid the VUC. They have some very good dangerous players. The Nix's win Friday night had an element of luck, with VUC having strong chances to win it earlier for sure. And Nix's record against the VUC at AAMI Park is awful.

I think Sydney for me. They have Talay, they are the best pressing team in the league, and they really made us look fragile when we played them at the Allianz. I feel nervous when we play them, they’re a very confident side. 

WSW are a bit of a shambles off the field at the moment, not coming into the finals with great form. MacArthur have good players and could be tough, but they also haven’t looked great against our setup this season and we have played well in Campbelltown. MVC and MCY are both far from ideal prospects, but I’d still play either of them over Sydney I think. 

coochiee

Affulent as opposed to effulent times.

We didn’t know how good we had it with Old, Cleberson and O’Dor! 

And you try and tell the young people of today that…

Kids go free on the 27th April game! Domey wants to get 21k to set a club regular season attendance record.

it's a shame, if it had been good weather on Friday and a 10k crowd experienced that game, I'd be quite confident about the nix getting 17k to break the record. But 21 just isn't happening.

Edit: though it would really help if we could get more points than the Mariners next weekend and it could wholeheartedly be sold as a "final" with silverware guaranteed with a win. But I don't think even that would be enough

theaucklandphoenixfan

Kids go free on the 27th April game! Domey wants to get 21k to set a club regular season attendance record.

Yeah, sucks about fridays weather. Most importantly we got the 3 pts and that game will be a fond memory of mine for a long time.
The only way the premiership race ends this weekend is us lose and CCM plus 3 pts as they will have a 2 games wins advantage
So most likely it will all be to play for on the 27th, if we get it thats amazing, but disregarding that record I just hope and get 10k plus to help our boys over the line

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Just me looking at all the games I’ve been to this season. Man what a time to be alive.

theaucklandphoenixfan

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Just me looking at all the games I’ve been to this season. Man what a time to be alive.

 Which one has been your favourite so far?

You must be a good luck charm, are you by chance going to the Newcastle match? 

theaucklandphoenixfan

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Just me looking at all the games I’ve been to this season. Man what a time to be alive.

Ryan

Chief has said he's potentially available for the finals and Zawada has been active on social media saying he never gives up. He hasn't been training with the team though so I wouldn't bank on it 

Actually he trained with the team just yesterday. 
Wasn’t a super heavy session but he participated in all the same activities the rest of the squad did.

theaucklandphoenixfan

Home final announced Saturday 18th May around 6 pm. Flights back to Auckland are over $200 to get back on Sunday 19th on both Jetstar and Air NZ 🥲

Where has that 6pm KO time come from? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere currently. 

RR

theaucklandphoenixfan

Home final announced Saturday 18th May around 6 pm. Flights back to Auckland are over $200 to get back on Sunday 19th on both Jetstar and Air NZ 🥲

Where has that 6pm KO time come from? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere currently. 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/revealed-date-set-for-wellington-phoenixs-history-making-a-league-home-semifinal/IBC7AHO5ZFGEPN67WAMNNLBQGM/
It’s understood Wellington have strategically opted for home advantage at Sky Stadium for the crucial second leg on May 18, kicking off at approximately 6pm.

Oceanic6

You must be a good luck charm, are you by chance going to the Newcastle match? 

theaucklandphoenixfan

IMG_8335.jpeg 384.35 KB

Just me looking at all the games I’ve been to this season. Man what a time to be alive.

No I am not unfortunately. You might be able to tell I live in Auckland so it’s enough already for me to spend to get to the games at Sky Stadium!! I went to Aussie for unite round. I’m looking to see if it’s feasible to get to the away leg of the semi final. Already need to fork out about $600 to get me and my dad down for the home semi!!

theaucklandphoenixfan

Oceanic6

You must be a good luck charm, are you by chance going to the Newcastle match? 

theaucklandphoenixfan

IMG_8335.jpeg 384.35 KB

Just me looking at all the games I’ve been to this season. Man what a time to be alive.

No I am not unfortunately. You might be able to tell I live in Auckland so it’s enough already for me to spend to get to the games at Sky Stadium!! I went to Aussie for unite round. I’m looking to see if it’s feasible to get to the away leg of the semi final. Already need to fork out about $600 to get me and my dad down for the home semi!!

Based on those rates I think we need ya for the semi!

Trent

coochiee

Who would the Nix least want to play in their 2 legged semi, from -

Melbourne Victory (3rd, 41 pts),  Sydney (4th, 38 pts), Macarthur (5th, 38 pts), Western Sydney (6th, 34 pts) or Melbourne City (7th, 30 pts, but game in hand)?
I'm going to rule out anyone else from making the top 6, as they basically need WSW & MC to get no points in their last 2 or 3 games.

I'd say on current form Nix would most want to avoid the VUC. They have some very good dangerous players. The Nix's win Friday night had an element of luck, with VUC having strong chances to win it earlier for sure. And Nix's record against the VUC at AAMI Park is awful.

I think Sydney for me. They have Talay, they are the best pressing team in the league, and they really made us look fragile when we played them at the Allianz. I feel nervous when we play them, they’re a very confident side. 

WSW are a bit of a shambles off the field at the moment, not coming into the finals with great form. MacArthur have good players and could be tough, but they also haven’t looked great against our setup this season and we have played well in Campbelltown. MVC and MCY are both far from ideal prospects, but I’d still play either of them over Sydney I think. 

Spot on, if we get Sydney they'll take our place in the GF - simple as that. They have outplayed us in all games this season. It's like Germany meeting Italy at world cups. No matter how good Germany are, and how average Italy might be at the time, the result is always the same lol. Pray we're not playing SFC! As regards all other teams we can beat them

theaucklandphoenixfan

RR

theaucklandphoenixfan

Home final announced Saturday 18th May around 6 pm. Flights back to Auckland are over $200 to get back on Sunday 19th on both Jetstar and Air NZ 🥲

Where has that 6pm KO time come from? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere currently. 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/revealed-date-set-for-wellington-phoenixs-history-making-a-league-home-semifinal/IBC7AHO5ZFGEPN67WAMNNLBQGM/
It’s understood Wellington have strategically opted for home advantage at Sky Stadium for the crucial second leg on May 18, kicking off at approximately 6pm.

Oh, it will be early in case extra time/penalties are needed. The other game must be scheduled for later that night.

Usually, the other semi is played on Friday night. Happens most years, one final Friday and one Saturday 

theaucklandphoenixfan

Usually, the other semi is played on Friday night. Happens most years, one final Friday and one Saturday 

This isn't a normal season tho. They have the time difference to play with this time. 

anaveragestem

theaucklandphoenixfan

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Just me looking at all the games I’ve been to this season. Man what a time to be alive.

 Which one has been your favourite so far?

It has to be Fridays game against the victory. The emotion and delirium was indescribable and like none I have experienced before.
If I had to rank them:
🏠 sky stadium 
1- Victory (12 Apr, 🏠)- absolute elation, chanting in the concourse after the match 
2- Wanderers (23 Dec, 🏠)- scenes when Kosta and Old scored, another moment of elation 
3- Sydney (16 Mar, EP)- season defining win. Aklanders made good noise in the zone and a great crowd overall.
4- Brisbane (4 Nov, 🏠)- Zawada hatrick, lots of goals, super fun fever zone and quite loud as well. First chants of “we are top of the league”
5- Perth (28 Oct, 🏠)- first home game of the season, massive celebration for Kraev’s goal and a real belief amongst us that we could be decent this season
6- Western United (10 Feb, 🏠)- vibes in the zone were top and a complete and utter domination win from the boys
7- CCM (Waitangi game, 🏠)- fantastic crowd number but nothing to celebrate and a relatively dull game looking back on it
8- Melbourne city (25 Nov, Mt Smart)- worst atmosphere ever at a Phoenix game, it was fun though with the other 50 or so that made the zone ok ish and APs penalty save was cool.

Not on list - Unite round vs Perth at parramatta, there was nothing to relate it to. Great away support in the rain though and super game.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of these games for different reasons though and even bottom of the list was a great time as well. Shows how good this season has been.

I’m sorted for the home semi now. Just totalled all my nix related expenses over the season: $6,000!! Wow. Hopefully we get our first piece of silverware !!!

Am looking at Sydney for away leg of the semi. Friday 10th - Sunday 12th May. Flights for 2 people (my dad would want to come with) $900, $400 accomodation, plus other trip expenses looking at $2,000.. should I do it?? I’m thinking not, because that can cover about 4 sky stadium home trips next season.

Anything other than a draw in WSW/City on Saturday night ends Adelaide’s run for finals. Hope for a draw on Saturday so the reds have something to play for on Sunday.

theaucklandphoenixfan

Anything other than a draw in WSW/City on Saturday night ends Adelaide’s run for finals. Hope for a draw on Saturday so the reds have something to play for on Sunday.

Incredibly frustrating to see Adelaide get caught out so badly in the 94th minute after coming back from a 2-0 deficit to lead the game.

The number of goals scored past the 90 minute mark this season has been extraordinary.

Yeah, can't see Adelaide pulling it off. F3 Derby, do your thing!

Mariners play first leg of their 2 legged AFC Cup playoff in Kyrgyzstan tonight.
KO midnight NZ time.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/04/17/asia/afc-cup/fk-abdish-ata-kant/central-coast-mariners-fc/4294657/

Fingers crossed a Abdysh-Ata win (or even a draw) to complicate situation for CCM, as they balance 3 games plus travel over the next week.

2nd leg Gosford next Wednesday

coochiee

Mariners play first leg of their 2 legged AFC Cup playoff in Kyrgyzstan tonight.
KO midnight NZ time.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/04/17/asia/afc-cup/fk-abdish-ata-kant/central-coast-mariners-fc/4294657/

Fingers crossed a Abdysh-Ata win (or even a draw) to complicate situation for CCM, as they balance 3 games plus travel over the next week.

2nd leg Gosford next Wednesday

Definitely want a win. I think with a draw they wouldn't be too worried about resting players against Adelaide to win the home leg. But a win would definitely make things interesting with how they go about the Adelaide game. 

A few knocks/injuries would be welcomed too, although I feel a bit mean wishing injuries on any player.

wilbaker

coochiee

Mariners play first leg of their 2 legged AFC Cup playoff in Kyrgyzstan tonight.
KO midnight NZ time.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2024/04/17/asia/afc-cup/fk-abdish-ata-kant/central-coast-mariners-fc/4294657/

Fingers crossed a Abdysh-Ata win (or even a draw) to complicate situation for CCM, as they balance 3 games plus travel over the next week.

2nd leg Gosford next Wednesday

Definitely want a win. I think with a draw they wouldn't be too worried about resting players against Adelaide to win the home leg. But a win would definitely make things interesting with how they go about the Adelaide game. 

A few knocks/injuries would be welcomed too, although I feel a bit mean wishing injuries on any player.

Yes I was going to mention something similar about some injuries for the Mariners. It's a very nice Kiwi thing though to wish no ill. Lets just go with a prayer for 11 hamstring strains of 3-4 weeks duration.