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Andrew Durante of the Wellington Phoenix - Source: Photosport -
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Phoenix's playoff ambitions could be decided before they even take the field against Gold Coast United on Sunday, but skipper Andrew Durante says it won't change his team's attitude going into the match at Skilled Park.
A win against the Gold Coast in Sunday's Hyundai A-League 2009/10 showdown will guarantee the Phoenix a first-ever appearance in the playoffs, although that place could be locked in as early as Saturday night.
North Queensland Fury have the first chance to keep the Phoenix sweating when they take on Melbourne Victory at
Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Brisbane Roar then get play to keep their hopes alive heading into the final match of the regular season when they face Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday night.
Both the Fury and the Roar have to win to hold on to any chance of making the top-six playoffs as a loss for either will see them drop out of contention.
While the Phoenix could make the six before even kicking a ball, Durante says his team will still be gunning to beat Gold Coast United on Sunday.
"Of course we'll be interested to see what happens in the other matches and we'll certainly be watching them closely as a team - as we do all matches. It would be nice to know that we're in the six before the Gold Coast game but it won't change our attitude.
We want to win every game and this one is no different, regardless of what happens beforehand".
While the Phoenix had set the target of a playoff spot pre-season, Durante said that was the minimum expectation.
"We're a good team. Not only do we deserve to be in the top six but we know that we're playing for a home semifinal if we can finish in the top four.
"That would be an incredible achievement and great for the team. I don't think anyone would fancy their chances against us at Westpac Stadium in Wellington."
First and foremost, however, is beating Gold Coast away on Sunday. The A-League's new boys are locked in a three-way fight to finish the regular season at the top of the ladder but have shown their vulnerability this season - particularly against the Phoenix.
The two teams' round 12 match ended in a 1-1 draw on the Glitter Strip before the Phoenix shellacked the visitors 6-0 at Westpac Stadium little more than three weeks later in one of the most devastating and comprehensive performances from any team this season.
'This match is going to have plenty on it," said Durante. "Gold Coast are playing for top spot, we're playing for a place in the playoffs and Gold Coast will be desperate to make amends for what happened in Wellington. We were very good that night and they were pretty poor. It won't be the same scenario on Sunday but there's no reason why we can't do the job against them again."
