Phoenix out to break jinx in Brisbane

Wellington Phoenix will need to break their jinx against Brisbane Roar this weekend if they are to tighten their grip on an A-League soccer playoffs spot.

In seven meetings, the Phoenix have never beaten the Brisbane, losing four times - three at Brisbane where they play on Sunday - and drawing thrice.

The Phoenix, though, are in a confident mood after last week's 1-0 win over Newcastle United - their first away win in over a year.

Coach Ricki Herbert warns though that it will be a tough encounter.

"Suncorp Stadium has been a difficult venue for us and for some reason we've struggled to get going there.

"We're going to have to this weekend, otherwise we'll get punished.

"I think we went along way toward addressing the problems last time (a 1-1 draw at Suncorp in round three) but it's imperative we push on.

"If we go there and play as well as we know we can, then I think we'll take something from it.

"We've been doing okay and last weekend's win was a shot in the arm.

"We'll be out to win this one because we need to stay in touch with the teams ahead of us and put some distance on the teams below us."

The Phoenix have 20 points and are in sixth spot on the ladder, three points clear of Adelaide United and four in front of the eighth-placed Roar.

Herbert has been forced to make two changes to the side that beat Newcastle after goalkeeper Mark Paston was ruled out with a thigh injury and midfielder Diego Walsh with a groin strain.

Reece Crowther replaces Paston and assistant coach Jonathan Gould will be Crowther's back-up on the bench.

Vince Lia, who missed the Newcastle game on suspension, returns to the squad in place of Diego.

As he did in Newcastle, Herbert will demand attacking football from his team.

"We've got good options throughout the squad and when we get on the front foot we cause teams problems. That's the aim again on Sunday."

- NZPA