Soccer: Phoenix seeking a record-equalling victory

Ricki Herbert. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Returning home, the Wellington Phoenix will be backing their record at Westpac Stadium to get them over the line against a weakened Perth Glory tomorrow.

Chasing a record-equalling fourth straight home win, the Phoenix, fresh after a two-week break when the floods ended any hope of playing Hyundai A-League leaders Brisbane Roar, have plenty in their favour.

While Ricki Herbert has close to a full squad to select from, his opposite Ian Ferguson is scratching for players.

He is without experienced campaigners Jamie Harnwell, suspended for two matches after a straight red card in the midweek loss to Central Coast Mariners, and Adriano Pellegrino, suspended for one after receiving two yellow cards, the second three minutes into stoppage time in the same match.

Also missing are an injured Robbie Fowler and Jacob Burns, an expectant father.

Herbert's only concern surrounds Leo Bertos, who had a scan on a groin injury yesterday. If he is not cleared to play after a fitness test today, Toto will come into the squad.

"Provided Leo is cleared to play it will be same team, same squad as we had for the game against Central Coast," said Herbert. "Everything has gone well this week."

Asked whether he thought having a week off at this stage of the season was beneficial, Herbert said, "ask me after the game".

It was unlikely Paul Ifill would be returning this season, Herbert said. The influential playmaker has another year to run on his contract.

With Perth virtually a no-hope in the play-off race, the pressure will be on the Phoenix to get back into the top six.

In 12 matches between the two teams, the Phoenix hold a 5-4 winning record.

In two trips to Western Australia this season the Phoenix lost 2-1 and won 1-0. This time last season, the Phoenix won four straight to set a club record.

In their last three outings at home, they have beaten Adelaide United 2-1 (on December 5) and followed that with 4-0 and 2-0 wins over Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory.

Tomorrow's match heralds the start of a hectic time for the Phoenix.

They head across to the Gold Coast on Tuesday to play the postponed Brisbane Roar.

They return on Thursday to prepare to play Newcastle at home, before embarking on a tough double-header across the Tasman.

There they play Adelaide United on February 5 and Sydney four days later, before returning for their last regular season match against North Queensland Fury on February 13.

A-League
* Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
* Westpac Stadium. Tomorrow 5pm (live SS3)
* Referee: Peter O'Leary