Head-to-head

Played 9: Wellington Phoenix 4, Central Coast Mariners 3, Draws 2

Previous Meeting
Wellington Phoenix 3, Central Coast Mariners 0, Westpac Stadium, February 2010

History
Wellington have dominated the recent clashes between these two teams, winning 3-0 at home and 2-0 away in the latter part of last season. Paul Ifill has scored four goals in their past two encounters. The Mariners haven't beaten Phoenix in their past six clashes in a streak stretching back to January 2008.

Season So Far
Wellington Phoenix: D
Central Coast Mariners: WD

Match Committee
Wellington lost their reserve keeper this week, with Reece Crowther ruled out for eight weeks. Former Brisbane goalkeeper Griffin McMaster comes in as short-term cover. Marco Rojas and Marjin Pavlovic come into an extended squad, while Diego (injury - four weeks) and Jade North (unavailable) remain sidelined.

The Mariners have called Argentine import Patricio Perez into the squad after his hamstring injury, but a decision on whether he travels will made on Friday. Chris Doig is also included in the extended squad.

Danger men
Chris Greenacre - Paul Ifill may have torn the Mariners apart the past two times they have played, but Chris Greenacre will be the man for the visitors' defence to keep an eye on, on Sunday. Greenacre, who lived in Ifill's shadow last year, netted a brace against Gold Coast last week and is looking much fitter and stronger player this season.

Matt Simon - With Patricio Perez yet to make an appearance, Matt Simon has become one of the Mariners' most important players this season. He did a great job on Josip Skoko in the opening game and then scored a crucial late goal as his side got a point out of Adelaide last week.

At the end of the day….
Wellington have a terrific home record and would be smarting after letting three points slip from their grasp against Gold Coast last week. Leading 3-1, the heavy conditions told late in the game and the visitors snuck home thanks to two late ones.

You would think it would go either way for Phoenix. They either bounce back with a vengeance or the effort last week in the heavy conditions will tell.

The Mariners have impressed with their industrious approach so far this season and while Graham Arnold will take time to get them playing the style of football he wants, he has a very strong base to work with.

The recent past tells you that Phoenix match up well with the Mariners and that Ifill's pace and power will trouble the Mariners' defence. The key for the visitors is to nullify the Barbadian's influence, absorb the pressure and use the counter attack well.

Verdict: This one looks like a scoring draw.

TEAMS: 
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER, 30. Griffin McMASTER (gk)
*two to be omitted*

In: Griffin McMASTER (short-term injury replacement), Mirjan PAVLOVIC (promoted), Marco ROJAS (promoted)
Out: Jonathan GOULD (injury cover no longer required)
Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee – 4 weeks), James MUSA (knee – 1 week), Jade NORTH (overseas – 2 weeks), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs – 8 weeks)

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Patricio PEREZ, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK
*two to be omitted*

In: Chris DOIG (promoted), Patricio PEREZ (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil