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Newcastle's Labinot Haliti and the Phoenix's Manny Muscat tussle - Source: Photosport -
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It feels like Bahrain all over again.
The day has dawned fine in Wellington, and Lambton Quay, Courtney Place and Cuba Street are full of fans resplendent in Phoenix kit.
There is a real party atmosphere and all it is needed now is a victory for the home side, which would make for one of the biggest Sunday nights in the capital anyone can remember.
So what are the key factors ahead of Sunday's elimination semi-final?
The star
Paul Ifill has been the inspiration behind many Phoenix victories this season, and remains the biggest threat to the Jets.
The winger admits to being a confidence player but seemed to drift out of the match a fortnight ago, nullified by some close marking and tough tackling.
It is a cliche, but the import is due a big match on Sunday.
The unsung hero
Underrated by most casual observers and fans, Chris Greenacre has the thankless task of leading the line for a team that does not always provide the kind of service his poaching style of striking requires. You can be sure that Ricki Herbert and the team realise his importance and in tight playoff matches Greenacre could be the man to strike.
If there is a loose ball in the Newcastle penalty area, you can guarantee he will be somewhere near it.
The midfield
If the Wellington side has a weakness it is their midfield. Tim Brown, Vince Lia and Manny Muscat will run and toil all day in the engine room, but none of them could be considered silky passers of a football and this is where the Phoenix can run into problems.
The Jets midfield will be quicker and more skilful and could dominate possession, which is what Perth managed to do for large parts of the playoff two weeks ago.
The opposition
The Newscastle Jets have made all the right noises leading into this match.
They have been bullish, slighty arrogrant, happy to talk up their chances and magnify the Phoenix's supposed weaknesses.
It is everything you would expect from an Australian sporting sqaud and they have certainly talked a good match.
Will they deliver? Matt Thompson's men are possibly the most inconsistent team in the league, and have lost their last three matches in Wellington.
But they have obviously had the much better buildup, seem to be building momentum at the right time and will back their chances of an upset.
The crowd
The sellout crowd will no doubt help to lift the home side, and Phoenix captain Andrew Durante suggested this week that the noise and feverish support will help the Phoenix's All White contingent get through the pain barrier.
That remains to be seen however. It is doubtful that the Jets will be too intimidated by the 34,000 fans, knowing that an early goal can almost take the crowd out of the equation.
The mental battle
Sunday's match is all about the famed top two inches.
Despite their brave talk, the Phoenix have endured a fractured, almost nightmarish buildup.
A good start is crucial for the home side; fall behind, with the clock and scoreboard against you and it is much harder to find that extra effort, especially for the famous four that have spent the best part of the week in Airplanes.
The unbeaten run
Unfortunately, as Perth showed two weeks ago, it is less relevant once you get to the knockout finals. While it is definitely an advantage to be playing amongst familar surroundings, Newcastle with be backing themselves to end the streak.
The impact substitutes
The absence of Adrian Carceres (in Argentina with his pregnant wife) is a blow but may give an opportunity for Costa Barbarouses to enjoy some rare game time.
You would expect Daniel to play a fair chunk of the match as well, as it is unlikely that Leo Bertos will last 90 minutes.
The absent one
Suspended defender John McKain is a big loss.
While his replacement Ben Sigmund is more than capable (and comes off a very impressive display against Mexico on Thursday) Socceroo McKain has developed an almost telepathic understanding with Durante in the centre of defence.
He is also an accomplished ball player, having played as a defensive midfielder at times and his accurate passing out of defence will be missed.
COMMENT: What are your predictions for the Wellington Phoenix v the Newcastle Jets?
Leave your comments below, and don't forget to join tvnz.co.nz from 4pm as we bring you every kick, corner and goal from the crucial semi-final clash in our LIVE updates.
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