KEY POINTS:
The battle within the battle between arguably the best two goalkeepers in the A-League will provide an interesting aside when the Melbourne Victory host the Wellington Phoenix tonight.
Week after week Glen Moss has been lauded for his heroics in saving face for the under seige Phoenix. At the Telstra Dome, in front of what will almost certainly be their biggest crowd this season, he will be compared with Melbourne custodian Michael Theo-klitos who has also been in sparkling form despite his team's poorer-than-expected Hyundai A-League showing. Theoklitos, 26, who played 20 games for the Football Kingz in the 2001-02 season, has given up a little over a goal a game. If his strikers had put in the same effort - they have scored less than a goal a game - Melbourne would be a title contender instead of sitting 11 points adrift.
Moss, 24, has made the spot in the Phoenix goal his own with a series of outstanding saves. He played nine times for the Knights in 2005-06 before heading overseas and then returning to play under Ricki Herbert.
Tonight's game is close to do or die for the Wellington-based franchise.
"Three points here would get us back in the race," said Herbert from Melbourne yesterday. "We know it will not be easy but I can guarantee we will be giving it our best shot. We have eight games to play. Like the rest, we won't be holding back."
Herbert admits it will be difficult to bounce back from last week's disappointing 1-1 draw with Sydney FC when they conceded a penalty deep into stoppage time.
"It's not like it is the first time we have given up a goal late in a game but it doesn't make it any easier to accept."
In their only other meeting this season, the Phoenix stormed home with two late goals to snatch a 2-2 draw in the opening game.
Herbert will again play with a back three. Tony Lochhead will be joined by Kristian Rees and Karl Dodd, forcing regular right back Jeremy Christie to the bench. Vince Lia (left) and Ahmad Elrich (right) will provide the midfield width for Tim Brown, Michael Ferrante and Daniel. Shane Smeltz and Felipe will start up front.
Smeltz has continued to grow and is second in the race for the golden boot.
"Shane Smeltz has been one of the most prolific goalscorers of the season," said Herbert. "In the same form, who knows what he, and we, might do."
The remaining 14th round fixtures will be played tomorrow with leaders Central Coast Mariners away to Newcastle Jets and Sydney at home to Queensland Roar.
VICTORY v PHOENIX
Telstra Dome, Melbourne 9 tonight
Phoenix: Glen Moss, Kristian Rees, Karl Dodd, Tony Lochhead, Vince Lia, Tim Brown (c), Michael Ferrante, Daniel, Ahmad Elrich, Shane Smeltz, Felipe.
Substitutes: Mark Paston, Jeremy Christie, Steve O'Dor, Vaughan Coveny.
