When the sides met in their only previous encounter in Christchurch back in Round 25 of last season, the Phoenix came away with a 1-0 win, in what was their first and is their only victory so far over the Reds.

Leading into that game the Reds were without a win in their previous six matches and sitting at the foot of the table.

But this time around United is high on confidence and form, coming off consecutive victories with three wins from their past four games, and holding down second spot.

Furthermore, the Reds have also had over a week to prepare for this match, a luxury coach Rini Coolen has been delighted to have heading into what is one of the most difficult away trips in the Hyundai A-League.

In contrast the Phoenix will be backing up after playing against Sydney FC away midweek.

"That was fantastic because you prefer to have all the things in your training sessions," Coolen said of United's full training week.

"Up to now I'm real happy with the way we've played, some players have come back from injury problems and most players are available, so we've been able to prepare as well as we can for a real important game and a real tough game."

One such player returning from injury is midfielder Joe Keenan.

The 28-year-old has been included in the travelling party, Coolen opting to take a squad of 16 across the Tasman, saying he is still to decide whether Keenan will play any part in the game after missing last week with a hip flexor problem.

"We will make a decision after the training if we put him (Keenan) in the first 15 players or have him as an extra player and do some training sessions with him over there," Coolen said.

"Whatever happens, at least he will be ready for our next home game against the Fury.

"We don't take risks with any players, but he is good enough to travel with us and if it is necessary, he's available."

Three second half goals in quick succession saw the Reds blow Wellington away when the sides met at Hindmarsh back in Week 11.

However, Coolen is all too aware of the how difficult a proposition the Phoenix pose on the other side of the Tasman, regardless of which ground they play at, Wellington having previously gone a record 24 Hyundai A-League matches unbeaten at Westpac Stadium.

"We know Wellington are very hard to beat in their home games, that's what you see in all of the games that they didn't lose at home in a row, so that's one of the reasons we have to be ready for a real tough game," Coolen said.

"I think the first part of the game is important because it is always a benefit for teams playing home games, you get a lot of support from the crowd, so at the start of the game you have to find out if you can just keep control of the game."

"We found out last time we played them that they play real good as a team in their transition moments so we have to do the same, and on top of that, if you want to win the game you have to play better football than them when you have the ball.

"So it is a lot of jobs to do, we are on a good spot at the moment, but we know it is going to be really tough."

The trip will be Coolen's first time to New Zealand, and while the Dutchman admits he is looking forward to it, holidaying is definitely not on the agenda as the Reds aim to bridge the six point gap to league leaders Brisbane Roar.

"Sometimes after a game you could come away with a draw, but we're not going there for a draw," Coolen said.

"We're travelling there to get three points. If you want to stay near the top of the ladder where we are now, you have to win these games."