Soccer: Phoenix reshuffle after tough fortnight

Paul Ifill scores the equaliser against the Melbourne Victory at Westpac Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

Impressive midfielder Nick Ward is set for a rare start when the Wellington Phoenix play their third game in a week against Sydney FC away tonight.

Ward will come into the line-up out wide in place of injured Leo Bertos, who sits this one out in the hope his slight groin injury will heal in time for Sunday's game against Adelaide United in Christchurch.

The other change will require a defensive reshuffle with Ben Sigmund returning after a one-match suspension. He will play in his less favoured right back role with Troy Hearfield switching to the left.

In playing Sigmund at fullback, coach Ricki Herbert has stuck with his favoured central defensive pairing of captain Andrew Durante and Jade North.

Tim Brown, who was also feeling a groin strain after Friday's game, is fit and will play.

It is a testing time for the born-again Phoenix who can move into the top five with a win tonight.

"We have had the hardest fortnight of any team," said Herbert.

"It tests your strength and depth but I feel we have played better in the last couple of games and have to look to maintain that momentum."

While he has had to make do without Brown and Sigmund for a match each after copping five yellow cards, Herbert said he had no such concerns with the rest of his squad and hopes he can get through the next few weeks unhindered.

"It is not easy. While we have had two games at home, we have also been to Newcastle - which is always a difficult trip - and now Sydney. Then, we get back on Thursday and head to Christchurch on Saturday."

Herbert knows Sydney, four points below the Phoenix but with a game in hand, will be up for the challenge.

"I saw parts of their 0-0 draw with Melbourne Heart and know they will be no different than any other team we have faced.

"They are all hard and at home will fancy their chances. We can go up to fifth and still have a game in hand over the Heart so that has to be an incentive. The play-offs are very much in our thinking."

SYDNEY v PHOENIX

*Sydney Football Stadium

*Today 9pm (SS2)