The Nix Fix: Still on top

Despite Sydney FC managing to break a four match winning streak, Wellington Phoenix still find themselves on top of the A-League table at the conclusion of round 23.

With the FFA refusing to recognise FIFA International windows this was always going to be a tough match for our boys. All Whites head coach Anthony Hudson had included six Phoenix players in his squad to take on South Korea, leaving Ernie Merrick without the services of Tyler Boyd, Michael Boxall, Michael McGlinchey, Loius Fenton, Joel Stevens and Tom Doyle as well as Nathan Burns who was away with the Australian national side.

With all those players unavailable it was no surprise that the Nix went down. Although the second half performance was credible, the 3-0 halftime deficit was realistically never going to be overcome. Another disappointing result for the Nix was the size of the crowd on Sunday. The match unfortunately clashed with the Cricket World Cup final, which featured New Zealand taking on Australia. Despite the Nix administration trying to lure fans to the stadium with the promise of cricket updates and halftime live streaming, they could only manage to attract 6,236 into the stands. A real disappointment for a team sitting on top of the ladder.

Making matters worse, Albert Riera became the first Nix player to be sent from the field this season when he was shown a second yellow card midway through the second half. This of course means he will be unavailable for this weekends clash with the Melbourne Victory.

There is no doubt that this Sunday’s game is the biggest of the season so far for the Nix. With Melbourne sitting just one point behind the Nix and with a game in hand, this match is a massive chance for the Nix put a bit of breathing space between the two clubs. However if they lose on Sunday it forces them to rely on Melbourne losing one of their remaining matches if the Nix are to finish top of the league and take the premiers plate.

As well as missing Riera the Nix will also be without veteran midfielder Vince Lia, who suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to Sydney. The absence of the two will likely see Roly Bonevacia fill the defensive midfield role this Sunday. Ernie Merrick will also be glad to welcome back attacking threats Nathan Burns and Michael McGlinchey back into the starting side.

Likely Nix line-up….

.                                  Moss

. Fenton          Sigmund  Durnate         Muscat

.                             Bonevacia

.              Rodriguez              Hicks

.  Burns               McGlinchey            Krishna

 

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