KEY POINTS:
Slumping to their fifth loss in six games - comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Queensland Roar on Sunday - has done nothing for flagging confidence in the Wellington Phoenix camp as they prepare for what was always going to be a tough task against Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
The ask has got a lot bigger following marquee signing Ahmad Elrich's sending off 34 minutes into the game at Suncorp Stadium by referee Matthew Breeze.
Elrich was seen by Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert as the spearhead for his attack in this round 13 game given the enforced absence of regular striker Shane Smeltz.
With their ranks already stretched given the departure of Brazilians Cleberson and George Paladini and with Smeltz, Tim Brown, Tony Lochhead, Jeremy Christie and goalkeeper Mark Paston required for international duty in Vanuatu, the Phoenix were looking to Elrich to provide much-needed steel and experience.
There is the hope Ross Aloisi will return from injury to lead the side but given Steve O'Dor's ongoing facial-teeth problems, Herbert's replacement Wayne O'Sullivan will have his selection and coaching skills severely tested.
The game in Brisbane was a disaster for Herbert and his team. They weathered a concerted Roar onslaught and kept themselves in the game thanks to a couple of miraculous Glen Moss saves.
Then, just as they were clawing their way back to something like parity, Elrich was sent packing when Breeze, from some distance, ruled Elrich, backing into Hyuk-Su Seo, had elbowed him in the mouth and flashed a red card.
Elsewhere, Perth snapped their long run without a win by upsetting Newcastle Jets 4-1 away to close to within two points of the Phoenix at the wrong end of the table.
The much-anticipated big city clash in front of 31,884 fans at the Telstra Dome ended 0-0, with Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC taking a point but unable to break into the top four.
Spurred by an 11,680-strong crowd at their place, Central Coast Mariners, with second-half goals (one from the spot) from John Aloisi, beat Adelaide United to go four points clear at the top.
Central Coast are away to Perth on Sunday in a game which gives new Perth coach David Mitchell a chance to make it two from two.
In other games, Queensland are at home to Melbourne on Friday and Adelaide play Newcastle in a second Saturday clash.
