Tight match predicted for Phoenix

BY SAM WORTHINGTON

Bookmakers and A-League coaches agree: the high-flying Phoenix are definite underdogs for Saturday's preliminary final in Sydney.

The TAB opened Sydney at $1.75 favourites to advance to the grand final after 90 minutes, with Wellington at $4.75 and a draw after normal time $3.25.

And three A-League coaches – Central Coast's Lawrie McKinna, Brisbane's Ange Postecoglou and Newcastle's Branko Culina – all fancy Sydney.

McKinna predicted the game would extend into extra time but said that, if a gun were held to his head, he would tip the hosts.

"I'd go for Sydney, just because of home advantage. I'm expecting a very tight game. Wellington can definitely come here and get the result.

"The two teams are solid in defence. Sydney have won so many of their games 1-0, so I can see a very tight, tense game that could definitely go into extra time. It's anybody's game after that because it's a bit of a lottery."

McKinna said Phoenix star Paul Ifill would again need to inspire.

"The two of them are well matched and, for Wellington to win, I think they need big Ifill to come up with something special. He's delivered on many occasions this season."

Postecoglou said Wellington deserved to be in the preliminary final and would be riding a wave of confidence after beating Newcastle 3-1 in extra time on Sunday.

But he thought winning in Sydney would be a bridge too far.

"I am a believer that, particularly in finals games, home ground makes a massive difference," Postecoglou said.

"Even though Wellington are going to have the confidence going into it, I still think Sydney might just shade it.

"I think a one-off game is going to be pretty tight and home ground makes a big difference."

The battle between Ifill and speedy Sydney playmaker Alex Brosque will catch the eye, but Postecoglou also believed it would be a defensively orientated game.

"If I had to put a punt on the result, I reckon 1-0 Sydney would be the way to go.

"Sydney have built their team around a solid defence. And playing at home, it's going to be hard to keep them to zero. They're going to be hard to break.

"Ifill is the X-factor for Wellington and if he does get a goal, or plays as well as he did last week, then that's probably their best opportunity to win. But I've just got a feeling it's going to be a pretty tight game.

"Sydney, the way they've shaped up all year, I think they might be a bit too hard to break down at home."

Newcastle coach Branko Culina also favoured Sydney because of home advantage, but said of the Phoenix: "It's a two-horse race so they've got a terrific chance. It would be great for New Zealand football if they can do that but it will be difficult playing away."

- © Fairfax NZ News