The Phoenix kick off their final round-robin game of the season against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images.
The Wellington Phoenix kick off their final round-robin game of the season against the Central Coast Mariners at Westpac Stadium at 4pm on Sunday. The calculations for where they could finish on the A-League ladder are extensive. APNZ sports writer Daniel Richardson breaks down the situation.
- The facts: Heading
in to the final week of the regular the season, the Phoenix can finish either third or fourth on the ladder.
They currently sit fourth, behind the Perth Glory on total goals scored in the season - 36 to 33 - because they have the same goal difference of plus three. The Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners are confirmed as the top two, and their results this weekend will determine who finishes on top.
- Why is finishing third so important? Home advantage. The team that finishes third gets two home games in the playoffs - providing they win in week one - and it's more than well documented how tough the Phoenix are to play at their Westpac Stadium fortress.
- How can they finish third? Here is where it gets tricky; there are three ways:
