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The Wellington Phoenix celebrate after defeating Perth Glory on penalties - Source: Photosport -
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Sydney FC aren't buying into talk of underdogs Wellington Phoenix having nothing to lose in Saturday's A-League preliminary final at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Phoenix come into the sudden-death match on the back of a fairytale run in the finals, with three straight wins moving them to within grasp of an historic grand final appearance.
Minor premiers Sydney, meanwhile, get their second chance at a grand final berth after losing their major semi-final to Melbourne over two legs.
That has many, including Phoenix players, tipping the sky blues will be feeling the heat as Ricki Herbert's men come across the Tasman with no pressure and a "nothing-to-lose" mentality.
Not Sydney FC's John Aloisi though, with the striker insisting both sides will equally be feeling the tension with a shot at the A-League title within sight.
"They say they're under no pressure but there is definitely pressure to make a grand final," Aloisi said on Friday.
"They've had a top year, it's the best season they've had in the A-League but as a player you really want to go on and play in the grand final.
"There's pressure for both sides and for all sets of players.
"They're no different to us - they want to get to the final and win it."
Sydney's favouritism for the clash is justified by the fact they've won all three clashes between the sides this season.
But Aloisi acknowledged the Phoenix had changed formation since and were now more formidable opponents.
The Phoenix won't be able to rely on their astounding home form, however, which has seen them notch up 19 consecutive matches unbeaten at Westpac Stadium.
"No doubt that they're stronger at home," Aloisi said.
"They're not as strong away from home but in saying that, they still got a good result against Gold Coast a few weeks back."
Sydney will again be without Shannon Cole, with the Socceroos defender failing to recover from a hamstring injury picked up in Australia's 1-0 win over Indonesia in Brisbane last week.
Coach Vitezslav Lavicka said Cole was keen to play but said he wanted to ensure the player was every chance of playing should the side win through to face the Victory in next week's grand final.
"If we put him on the pitch he could be injured again and we lose him for the maybe the next game," Lavicka said.
"I don't like (risking) it.
"The players must be 100 per cent to play, that's my view."
Sebastian Ryall, who started slowly but performed well in Cole's absence in last week's loss to the Victory, will retain his spot in the starting line-up.
