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Phoenix coach Ricky Herbert - Source: Photosport -
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Just hours away from arguably the biggest game of their careers and the Wellington Phoenix are plotting the downfall of their bogey team in Sydney on Saturday.
Sydney FC beat the Phoenix in all three regular season matches and go into the game as favourites.
But Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert is not taking too much notice of the previous statistics.
"I sense a really good feeling in the group and we could be hard to beat tonight." Herbert told ONE Sport.
Phoenix' Australian defender John McCain, who is back in action for the side in the Preliminary Final, is also in a buoyant mood.
"(For) all the players here it's a big game
"They haven't experienced finals before so we have got nothing to loose&we are excited and just can't wait to get on with the game."
And while the Phoenix have enjoyed an 18-match unbeaten run on their way to the finals at Wellington's Westpac stadium, the mood is sure to be much different than the rapturous support they have received at their home ground.
There was close to 34-thousand fans at The Ring of Fire to watch the Nix beat the Newcastle Jets in Wellington last week, but only 500 of the Yellow Fever fans have crossed the ditch to fire up the boys.
But Herbert is confident they can bring a bit of home to the Sydney Football Stadium.
"They will be here (the fans). As many as we can get and in full voice.
"The will be celebrating a team in a major semi finals so I'm really proud for them." Herbert said.
"They have been with the side for a long time and they are starting to get their rewards."
Join tvnz.co.nz for LIVE updates as the Wellington Phoenix take on Sydney FC for a place in the A-League Grand Final from 10pm NZT
