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Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick says his team have a few surprises in store for Sydney FC as part of the New Zealand team’s quest for a top-two ladder finish.
Phoenix and Sydney play their final round A-League match on Sunday at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.
The Phoenix go into the match in third place with 46 points, behind Sydney FC and Perth Glory who have accumulated 47 points each.
Glory, however, have been excluded from the playoffs following their salary cap breach.
Merrick is adamant Sunday’s match will bear no resemblance to Phoenix’s 0-3 loss to Sydney on March 29 in front of a home crowd.
The coach says he has been focusing on getting the team’s strategy right for their opponents.
“I don’t think I got that right the last time we played them and we lost three-nil, so we need to get it right,” said Merrick.
“I think we can do a better job now and be more creative in attack.”
Sydney have not lost an away game all season, but that streak could end if Phoenix push hard enough, says the coach.
“They’re looking pretty good defensively – we’ll see if we can find some holes.”
A win for Wellington would not only give Phoenix second spot on the ladder but also a week’s rest and home ground semi-final advantage.
“It’s an opportunity the players have earned and we don’t want to hold anything back,” said Merrick.
“We’re very happy going into this game. We’ve got an opportunity and the boys are highly motivated to do something.”
Unlike their last match against Sydney, in which Wellington lost a few players to international duty, Phoenix have a full squad to choose from for Sunday’s match.
Merrick says this will give him more options and keep their opponents guessing.
“As soon as the teams start playing the same way week in, week out and it becomes predictable, then your opposition close you down and close down your strengths,” he said.
“It’s about plan B, sometimes plan C … and even plan D.”
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