Harry Ngata: Tomorrow may be different

Wellington Phoenix striker Eugene Dadi (left) and teammate Diego Walsh. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Sydney FC have been a stumbling block for the Wellington Phoenix this season but I'm predicting tomorrow's semifinal to be a lot different.

The two clubs go head-to-head at the Sydney Football Stadium for a place in the A-League grand final against Melbourne in what should be another stunning spectacle of football.

Finals football is all about momentum and although the Phoenix have failed to fire in three meetings against Sydney this season, they go into tomorrow's game on the back of two clutch performances against Perth and Newcastle.

Sydney, on the other hand, were humbled by arch rivals Melbourne in their two-leg playoff and will be feeling the pressure against a side they were hoping to avoid.

Only one will be left standing and based on the last two matches at Westpac Stadium, the players could hardly walk let alone run in what can only be described as two exhausting bouts of gripping drama.

A major boost for the Phoenix is the return of suspended defender John McKain, who has been gold for Herbert this season. Much has been said about him and the two other musketeers at the back - goalkeeper Liam Reddy and skipper Andrew Durrante. Their contest against Sydney dangermen John Aloisi, Slovakian Karol Kisel, Alex Brosque and Mark Bridge will be a mouth watering showdown.

Unfortunately for Ben Sigmund, McKain's return means he will have to make way and be content with a bench spot. Herbert should also welcome Adrian Caceres back to the bench with Diego potentially getting the Spanish archer.

But make no mistake, Sydney are a quality outfit. Nicknamed Bling FC, they are a club who moulds itself on being the best and more often than not this means having the best players. Former Manchester United ace Dwight Yorke, Brazilian 2002 World Cup winner Juninho, Italian Benito Carbone and more recently Socceroos World Cup hero John Aloisi have all called Sydney home.

They have also attracted football royalty to steer the ship. German 1990 World Cup winner Pierre Litbarski and former England hardman Terry Butcher have both had stints at the helm. But as football quite often predicts, having the gun players doesn't necessarily translate to gold.

Sydney have the best defensive record this season, conceding only 23 goals. The key for the Phoenix on Saturday will be locking down the diamond formation Sydney employs in the middle of the park - something they have failed to do this season. They can't afford to give Sydney territory early on.

Looking back a few months ago, I recall that for the Phoenix to go all the way they would have to win seven in a row. Who would've thought that they would be this close to winning the competition?

My biggest concern for Saturday is the loss of the vocal Wellington crowd. It is ironic that for all the home support they have become used to, the Phoenix will travel to Sydney like a group of shy school boys away from the warmth and comfort of home.

You can evaluate the performances for what they are but every player will tell you when they walk out on Westpac Stadium you walk through a yellow and black veil that transforms you - you feel invincible.

Yellow Fever are as much to blame as Herbert's tactical nous is for the success of the club. A club that is one of the hottest properties in the league right now. A club that five years ago was hours away from non-existence if it wasn't for one man. God bless Terry Serepisos. You're hired, not fired!

WHAT: A-League Preliminary Final

WHO: Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix

WHERE: Sydney Football Stadium

WHEN: 10pm Saturday

TV: Sky Sport