The Nix Fix: Distance Derby #2

Ensure your seatbacks and tray tables are in their upright position and all carry on luggage is either stored in the overhead locker or under a seat. Then strap yourself in for seven hours of flight time because it’s “Distance Derby” time!

The distance between Wellington and Perth is a touch over 5,280 kilometers making it one of the longest roadtrips in world football, hence the name “Distance Derby” was conceived. Although don’t expect this derby to be anything like the Sydney or Melbourne derbies, it’s just a phrase to make the match a bit more interesting.

Last week was another case of so close yet so far for the Phoenix when they hosted the Wanderers in Wellington. While the boys had multiple chances to notch up the first win of the season, they just couldn’t find the back of the net. Having said that, if you had offered me two draws against the Wanderers in our first two meetings of the season then I would have happily taken that, along with most other Nix fans.

The general feeling is that the Nix are very close to putting it all together and producing a complete performance for 90 minutes on the park. There are no questions over the defense with Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund proving once again what a great center back pairing they have become with some outstanding work against the Wanderers. If not for the work of those two men then the Nix could have easily seen that game slip away with a late goal to Youssouf Hersi.

The midfield is where the problems currently lie for the Nix, which is not unusual. With Carlos Hernandez missing the game against Perth with a slight muscle tear it opens up a variety of possibilities.

The expected team to take the field is…..

.                                             Moss

.          Fenton               Sigmund  Durante             Caira

.                                     Riera              Lia

.                  Cunningham     Huysegems        Hicks

.                                             Brockie

With Manny Muscat out suspended Reece Caira is likely to start back in the left defense position with the other three defenders retaining their spots from the previous week. There has been a lot of talk during the week of Stein Huysegems playing as the number 10 this week with Jeremy Brockie up front. This makes sense as Huysegems has been great on the ball in the past few matches while he’s never looked close to scoring. Playing him in an attacking midfield position could be the best place for him this week.

While many fans have called for Paul Ifill to be given a start, Merrick seems happy to keep him reserved for impact off the bench. Expect that to stay the same for this week. There’s also the possibility of youngsters Matt Ridenton and Josh Brindell-South getting on the field via the bench for their first run of the season.

This match proves as good a chance as any for the Nix to grab their first win. Perth are well under strength missing striker Shane Smeltz as well as most of their starting backline. This should mean the likes of Huysegems, Brockie, Cunningham and Ifill will have plenty of chances to put the ball away and head home with all three points.

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