Big Wednesday

So the Phoenix are in the middle of a five match-in-three week spell, which won't make their season, but if things go wrong, then it could certainly go a long way towards breaking it. The games, starting nine days ago in Newcastle, are:

• at Newcastle (1-0 loss)
• vs Melbourne H (2-0 win)
• vs Melbourne V (2-2 draw)
• at Sydney (Wednesday night)
• vs Adelaide (Sunday afternoon, at 'home' in Christchurch)

So far, they've done ok. That win against the Heart seems to have galvanised the team and they fought back well to get a draw against the Victory on Saturday. However, I'm sure Ricki would have targeted 9 or 10 points from this stretch - three home games especially would've been targeted.

The problem is, Adelaide are looking the goods - not Brisbane goods - but the goods. They have a very industrious midfield (Hughes, Reid etc.) topped off with the brilliance of Flores. In Van Dijk they have a true goalscorer. Their defence is solid, and Eugene Galekovic is a top class keeper. A win in Christchurch is in no means guaranteed. In fact, the Phoenix would be lucky to start as favourites.

That means that for me, Wednesday night's game in Sydney takes on added importance. Personally, I see this as a massive match for the Phoenix, if they are to give the playoffs a real shake this season. Three points and we are well in the reckoning, and can bounce into Christchurch with confidence to take on Adelaide. A draw, and not much will have changed, and a loss could really see us struggle to make an impact for the rest of the season.

So, come on Phoenix. Pull a performance out on Wednesday night, and bring home those three points!