From all angles, the odds are stacked against the Wellington Phoenix as they head into tomorrow's round four Hyundai A-League home clash with the Central Coast Mariners.
The Mariners are the playing-through champions, they sit in fourth place with a win, draw, loss record, have scored seven goals
including four in their 4-2 away win over Queensland Roar (who drew 1-1 with the Phoenix in Wellington) and have won all three previous games against the Phoenix.
But as they often showed in their first season, the Phoenix can produce some of their best football when the odds are heavily against them.
There has been much to reflect on with a sub-par performances against Adelaide and in conceding seven goals in their last two outings.
Coach Ricki Herbert remains baffled by his team's most recent efforts after the good work they have shown him on the training pitch.
"Arguably, we were the best team in the competition in pre-season but against Adelaide last time, they had nothing," said Herbert. "I did not think we were poor against Melbourne the time before but things just didn't click."
Herbert admits team selection for tomorrow's game is difficult.
"Everybody has an equal chance of playing apart from Adam Kwasnik who is injured. We are also waiting to see how Leo Bertos is after Saturday's run."
Bertos played against Queensland and Adelaide but missed the Melbourne game and the two internationals against New Caledonia with a groin injury.
"I want to play Leo if he is ready," said Herbert. "But it is still touch and go."
Despite conceding eight goals, Herbert is unlikely to make changes in defence, with Glen Moss set to play in goal behind a back four of Tony Lochhead, Andrew Durante, Jon McKain and David Mulligan, with Ben Sigmund providing cover from the bench.
While Daniel seems likely to start, Leilei Gao might play from the bench, although that will depend on which central midfield pairing Herbert settles on and whether Bertos plays.
The Mariners arrived in Wellington last night and will train today.
They have been boosted by Adrian Caceres' return from injury. The visitors will also be looking for more of the same from Dylan MacAllister, who scored twice on debut against Queensland in the last round.
