The improving Wellington Phoenix begin a season-defining week against a Central Coast Mariners outfit searching for their first win in seven matches.
SQUADS
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 2.Jacob TRATT, 4.Roly BONEVACIA, 5.Ryan LOWRY, 7.Gui FINKLER, 8.Alex RODRIGUEZ, 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10.Michael McGLINCHEY, 11.Hamish WATSON, 12.Adam PARKHOUSE, 13.Marco ROSSI, 16.Louis FENTON, 17.Vince LIA, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Andrew DURANTE (c), 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 99.Shane SMELTZ
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 7.Gui FINKLER (returns from leave of absence), 10.Michael McGLINCHEY (returns from injury), 17.Vince LIA (returns from suspension)
Outs: 21.Roy KRISHNA (suspended – 1 match)
Unavailable: Nil
Central Coast Mariners Squad: 1.Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Scott GALLOWAY, 5.Harry ASCROFT, 6.Blake POWELL, 7.Fabio FERREIRA, 8.Nick MONTGOMERY (c), 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 10.Mickael TAVARES, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Trent BUHAGIAR, 13.Kwabena APPIAH, 14.Adam BERRY, 16.Liam ROSE, 17.Josh BINGHAM, 20.Paul IZZO (gk), 21.Michael NEILL, 22.Jake McGING
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 10.Mickael TAVARES, 17.Josh BINGHAM (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 19.Jacques FATY (hamstring – 1 week), 23.Jake ADELSON (ACL – indefinite)
BLUFFER'S GUIDE
These two sides have already met twice this season, with Phoenix dominating with comfortable wins in both.
But after a strong first month under new coaches Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre, Wellington's resurgence took a hit in Round 14 with a 2-1 loss to Perth Glory - their first defeat in five matches.
It's left them four points adrift of the top six ahead of what is a massive week in their season.
Following the clash with the Mariners, Phoenix also hosts Melbourne Victory on Tuesday night – in a rescheduled clash from Round 7 – followed by the visit of Brisbane Roar on Saturday.
Three wins out of three and they can go from competition strugglers to a safely nestled in the top six.
In contrast, Central Coast haven't tasted victory in their last six games.
After falling to the bottom of the A-League table following Adelaide United's win over Melbourne City, Paul Okon's side is running out of time to make their own charge for the finals.
While their recent record makes for grim reading, their last couple of performances are cause for optimism.
They pushed leaders Sydney FC to the brink last weekend - losing 3-2 - while they were excellent in the 2-2 draw with Melbourne City on New Year's Eve.
While Wellington will be without leading scorer Roy Krishna through suspension, Gui Finkler, Michael McGlinchey and Vince Lia all return in a huge boost, while Mickael Tavares is the Mariners' key inclusion.
ROUTE TO GOAL
Shane Smeltz's A-League return didn't go totally to plan but he'll be better for the run and will relish his first game back home.
The New Zealand international showed some encouraging signs against Glory last week and is still very capable around the box, which is good for the Phoenix with Krishna unavailable.
The Mariners have been decent enough up front over the past month but it's the other end where they must improve as they possess the worst defensive record in the competition.
Errors at crucial times have often undone Central Coast.
WHO'S BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK?
Shane Smeltz. The Kiwi striker returns to the ground that launched his A-League career almost a decade ago. Will he make a scoring return at the start of what looms as a huge week for the club?
FORM LINES
Wellington Phoenix: WDDDL
Central Coast Mariners: LLLDL
PREDICTION
Wellington Phoenix 3-2 Central Coast Mariners
