KEY POINTS:
Perth Glory will be looking to bury two years of pain when they confront Wellington Phoenix in Saturday's A-League soccer clash at Westpac Stadium.
The Glory have not won a regular season match in New Zealand since their 4-1 triumph over the now-defunct Knights in round 19, 2005/06.
In two trips to Westpac Stadium last season, Perth suffered demoralising 4-1 and 3-0 defeats against the Phoenix, who finished last on the eight-team table.
But Perth will embark on their latest trip to New Zealand full of confidence following two home wins over the Phoenix this season and last week's 3-1 triumph over Melbourne.
The match shapes as a defining moment for both sides.
Wellington enter the contest just two points outside of the top four while Perth are five points adrift of fourth-placed Queensland.
Wellington strung together three straight wins before last week's humiliating 6-1 loss to Adelaide and Mitchell admitted his team would be on high alert against a Phoenix unit still smarting from that loss.
"Last week the result was a slap in the face for them so we've got to be cautious," Mitchell said.
"It's a big game for them, they want to get in the top four as well as we do so we've got to ... try and get something out of the game.
Perth will be boosted by the return of star striker Nikita Rukavytsya from injury while Marc Anthony is expected to slot into a midfield role in place of injured skipper Jamie Coyne (torn calf).
Mitchell said he was unsure when and if defender Dino Djulbic, who has been on trial with a second division German club, would meet up with his teammates in Wellington, possibly paving the way for David Tarka to return to the starting XI.
Midfielder Adrian Trinidad (ankle) and Wayne Srhoj (shoulder) trained on Friday but Mitchell said he would wait until game day before making a final decision on the pair.
Wellington's Troy Hearfield has been promoted into the starting side in place of guest player Fred, who has returned to Brazil following the death of his father.
"It's obviously a very sad time for Fred and his family and it's not the ideal way to be promoted to the starting lineup, but I've got my chance and I'll be doing everything I can to make the most of it," Hearfield said.
"Ricki (coach Ricki Herbert) has put his faith in me and I'm aware how important this opportunity is, not only for me but also the club and our goal to make the playoffs."
- AAP
