Phoenix dismiss Sydney FC bogey talk

BRENDON ESPOSITO/Sydney Morning Herald

ON TOP: Sydney FC Captain, Steve Corica, holds the Premier’s Plate after winning the A-League minor premiership.

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The Phoenix don't see Sydney FC as their bogey team, believing their three losses to the Australians this season count for nothing heading into Saturday night's A-League preliminary final.

Results would suggest otherwise – 0-2, 1-2 losses in Sydney and a 0-1 result in Palmerston North give the boys in blue total domination over the yellow and blacks.

But they were all pre-Christmas during a wobbly spell for Ricky Herbert's side.

The campaign has been righted in spectacular fashion since then and one of the Phoenix's favourites, Australian Jon McKain is adamant the Wellingtonians are a different side now.

"We have improved since then. The last 10 or 11 weeks we have been a different team. We have been hard to break down and we are scoring consistently," McKain said.

Statistics back him up. While Sydney held on to win the minor premiership, the Phoneix are arguably the hottest team over the home stretch. They have lost just two of their last 11 games and won their last five.

The Phoenix have given up their unbelievable home advantage but they have arrived in Sydney to confront an opponent frustrated to lose their semifinal series to Melbourne.

Stuff.co.nz will have full coverage, including live play-by-play and photos of the Wellington Phoenix's bid for a place in the A-League grand final on Saturday night, from 10pm.

"We are very confident going into the game and hopefully they will be a bit down after losing their series with Melbourne," McKain said.

"We aren't going to get them at a better time. We are confident and it's a one-off game.

"They are at home and they are probably the outright favourites which they should be. But we go in with nothing to lose, everything to play for and hopefully we can produce another upset."

"Everyone is excited. We have got this far and we don't want it to end yet. No one is ready for us to finish it so hopefully we can keep it going Saturday night."

Sydney has fashioned an impressive record at home where they have won 10, drawn one and lost three this season.

McKain believes the sides are very similar and senses a tight match. The Phoenix are used to those with their knockout fixtures against Perth and Newcastle going to extra time.

"They are well organised and they have some dangerous threats up front. I think the three times we have played them (striker) Alex Brosque has been the difference - he has been a bit of a menace for us.

"We know what their strengths are going to be and the danger players. We just have to go about our own game a bit better than we have previously, that's the aim.

"It's a one-off game and anything can happen. I think we will be evenly matched.

Everyone knows the game plan and their jobs and we feel very settled. Hopefully we can do it in 90 minutes this time."

- © Fairfax NZ News