An understrength Wellington Phoenix heads across the Tasman to meet Melbourne Heart this afternoon with both sides coming into the match off first-round wins. We’ll have live scores from 3.00pm AEDT.
Neither side had been well-regarded coming into the season but the Heart and Phoenix couldn’t have started the season any better, winning 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.
Granted, Wellington were at the fortress of Westpac Stadium in conditions that left no doubt as to the application of the moniker ‘Windy City’, but Ricki Herbert looks to have unearthed one or two gems to compliment an experienced group.
But today looms as a serious test for the Phoenix, with six players unavailable due to international duty. Paston, Moss, Sigmund, Brockie, Bertos, Lochhead and Totori will all be absent this afternoon.
It’s a shame for both Phoenix and neutral fans, because a full-strength Phoenix lineup would have come into this clash brimming with confidence and it could have been a clash between two of the better sides in the league.
Instead Ricki Herbert now needs to try and fashion a result with a half-strength side, which looks a daunting task when the form of the Heart last Friday night is considered.
Aloisi’s side strangled Melbourne Victory and were deserving of all three points. They’re at virtually full strength this afternoon and if they can replicate the effort and intensity they showed in the Derby, they should be able to claim all three points.
Roger
Guest
Err, what about poor Melbourne Victory? Missing our best three players, one in defence, and two in our attack. Unfortunately due to the compact season, it's just the way it is.
cantab
Guest
haha, sadly yes we do...
Chris
Guest
Poor by the FFA, but did NZ really need their Phoenix players to win games against Pacific opponents?
Nick Guthrie
Roar Pro
Bit harsh on the poor old Phoenix that the FFA couldn't have pushed this game back a bit. Missing key players due to World Cup qualifiers hurts any club but when the coach is taken out of the equation as well it makes it so hard. I'm sure Aloisi and the Heart will still be cautious but anything less than a comfortable win will surely be a poor result for the Heart.