Following a rather disappointing outing against an Adelaide side pushing for a finals bout, we come up against Wellington who are in much better form than their 7th place suggests.
With the Phoenix only losing one match in the past seven games, we have to be switched on to avoid further disappointment. It is incredibly simple, we must get back to winning ways, and hope for slip ups from those around us.
This is a fantastic opportunity to prove our worth against a solid side. With that being said, here are three talking points leading into this crucial match:
Leckie not likely
Suggested by PK, one of our most in form forwards may not feature come tomorrow afternoon, as his injury holds some concern. We all have our fingers crossed that it is not too serious, especially considering the man is faultless at the moment when in front of goal with six goals in seven matches.
An incredible return after his start to the season. I'll admit, I was hoping we kept the receipt... how I was wrong.
However, with disappointment comes opportunity, as Marco Tilio will surely be a shoo-in for replacing the Socceroo on the wing. #SokkahTwitter has been screaming from the rooftops for Tilio to start, and the hot prospect may take the opportunity and run with it.
The start of a tough run home
Take a moment. Go look at the table and the matches we have left.
In the last ten games, six of those are against current finals opposition, all of which are fighting hard to ensure they challenge for the championship come season end. With a measly four games left against so-called "easier" oppositions, we cannot let it slip.
I am sure we all understand just how competitive the A-League Men competition is this season. Every club is still in touching distance of the finals, with Brisbane - sitting in last place - only being seven points away from 6th.
Our position can become fickle, if not already. Our boys simply must win.
The entertainment continues
Now, we are in a bit of trouble being simultaneously the best attackers and worst defenders in the league, but is that entirely bad?
I simply refuse to believe we don't have a good defence, or that the system is not working. The goals that we have conceded this season have mostly been due to uncharacteristic mistakes or opposition teams taking advantage of a lapse in concentration.
While concentration is a massive sign of a negative defensive mentality, it can certainly be addressed and fixed... it is just taking a while. The point is the talent is there. We have the quality. Once sorted out, it is scary what we can become.
Let's keep up the pressure on Western United, and go top of the league. Again.
Score Prediction: Wellington 1-2 City
Nabbout needs to score. Was so elite in the early rounds, and while he’s been very good, hasn’t scored for a while. We havent used Scott Jamieson as an attacking midfielder for a while, Maybe we should??