* Phoenix v Perth Glory
* Westpac Stadium, 5pm Sunday
History shows it's a near impossible task, but the Wellington Phoenix's winning trot has them daring to dream they can go all the way in soccer's A-League.
Having shaken off their indifferent early season form, coach Ricki Herbert's team take on Perth Glory in the knockout playoff match in Wellington on Sunday chasing their fourth straight win.
If the Phoenix justify their favouritism before a predicted home crowd of near 20,000, they're still three wins away from an elusive title, having claimed a playoff spot for the first time.
The following week would see them either travel to Gold Coast or host Newcastle, depending on other results.
The Phoenix were rated the dark horses of the playoffs at the launch in Sydney this week, and in-form import Paul Ifill said self-belief wasn't an issue.
"I think anybody can do it once you're in there. People are saying that because of the form we carry in, other teams are not in such good form and we're doing okay," Ifill said.
"But it's going to take a lot to take it out, we've got to win seven on the bounce which I don't think has ever been done. It's a big ask but we're in it to win it, so you never know."
The Phoenix haven't lost at home in the past 18 months so fancy their chances against Perth who began their marathon road trip early today and were scheduled to land in Wellington mid-afternoon.
Herbert also advised caution for Phoenix fans looking too far ahead to the previously unthinkable, a grand final appearance.
But as the All Whites coach cut a relaxed figure at training this week, it was clear their expectations had lifted considerably.
"When you look at the league, all the teams have had blips and very rarely put a long run of wins together," he said.
"We have to win four on the bounce now to win the grand final, that'll mean seven in a row. History will tell you that it's going to be tough to do it, but hey, we're there so anything's possible now.
"We're not stopping here, that's fantastic (to make it) but we're really hungry to get through to the next round. Hopefully we don't stop."
The Phoenix were practicing their penalty taking at their Newtown Park base this week in anticipation of a shootout on Sunday if required to decide the playoff.
Ifill, who proved his penalty-taking accuracy in recent weeks as he bagged three goals in their past two matches, said he was ready to step up wherever needed in the order.
Herbert would order more spot kick practice this week but had his fingers crossed it wouldn't come down to the dreaded shootout.
"I hate the thought of it but it's a possibility, so we'll do some work around there. The whole 15-16 players will have to be ready for it, given any permutations."
Herbert said his side's playing style wouldn't change much despite it being their first trip to the playoffs, saying they wanted to retain a positive approach on their home turf.
- NZPA
