Phoenix miss out on home playoff
Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan has hinted at resting key players for tomorrow’s final regular season match, against Perth Glory now that their top-four hopes have been dashed.
Captain Andrew Durante and midfielder Alex Rufer are both one yellow card away from suspension and won’t be risked, while star striker Roy Krishna is also due a rest and will only see significant minutes if Golden Boot challenger Adam Le Fondre manages to score twice when Sydney FC play Newcastle Jets today.
‘‘We’ll decide on that when the time is right,’’ Rudan said.
‘‘We still have to work through a process and have a plan to get right. There’s certain components I was happy with and certain things we continue to work on irrespective of who plays.’’
It has been a far from ideal build up to the match against the premiers, with the Phoenix only finding out that they had missed out on a home playoff when they arrived in Melbourne on the way to Perth because their flight clashed with the second half of Thursday’s game between fourth-placed Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar.
Although Brisbane led 3-2 with 15 minutes to go, Adelaide fought back to secure a 5-3 win that moved the Reds four points clear of the Phoenix.
‘‘It’s certainly different that’s for sure,’’ Rudan said before flying out.
‘‘There’s been a lot more planning into this week knowing we can do something a bit different on Sunday. I guess in one way it’s good because we understand what the result would be after today but irrespective we’re expecting a tough encounter with Perth.
‘‘They’re the premiers for a reason, they’re the best team in the competition for a reason and we’re expecting them to be at full-strength knowing they’ve got a week off the week after.’’
Thursday’s result means Wellington can only finish as high as fifth and will play either Adelaide or Melbourne Victory away in the elimination final next weekend.
However, there’s an argument that the Phoenix may want to avoid playing Adelaide given they have not won in South Australia since 2015.
‘‘We’re going in there knowing it’s going to be a really tough game. They deserve all the accolades and the respect around the league and we are expecting a real tough encounter against the premiers.’’
Regardless of who they play the Phoenix are expected to remain in Australia after tomorrow’s match against Perth to reduce the travel. It would be counterproductive to make their way all the way back to Wellington only to fly across the ditch again later in the week.
‘‘The plan is to stay. We’ve gone through all the permutations and the different prospects and the club has given us every chance to try and do well, which is all we can ask for.’’
Durante and Rufer’s absence could open the door for New Zealand under-20 international Gianni Stensness to make his first A-League start.