Consistency is what the Wellington Phoenix need this season. It is time for Ernie Merrick to finally deliver away wins, while also making Westpac Stadium the fortress it should be.
Last Season
After another unfortunate season of injury woes and disappointment in 2015-16, Wellington will look to finally make and impact on the finals series in 2016-17. To do this they will have to shake off the inconsistency that plagued them all through last year’s competition.
Strengths
For once the Phoenix have strengthened in more areas than one during the transfer window, bringing in proven quality throughout the squad. Attacking live wire Kosta Barbarouses and midfield maestro Gui Finkler have signed from the Melbourne Victory, and have already shown sparkling form for their new club in various preseason hit-outs. Merrick completed his setup with the necessary, but surprise inclusion of Italian defender Marco Rossi. All have looked sharp and seem to have gelled well with the squad.
A persistent and glaring issue has been rectified with the signing of Finkler in particular, and the Phoenix are sure to see their set-pieces improve now that the well-practiced Brazilian will be taking corners and free-kicks. Going forward they will be difficult to deal with, as the firepower possessed up front will cause plenty of issues – provided the players can stay fit.
Weaknesses
It should never be a problem, but the number of All Whites in the team is a big blow when it comes to international and club fixture clashes. The FFA has made it clear that they do not see national team matches as a priority, and this could cause plenty of lopsided results as the Phoenix are forced to resort to untested youngsters in a bid to get a decent squad together. With Ben Sigmund and Albert Riera’s retirement and Manny Muscat’s departure to Melbourne City, the defence is looking shaky. And with injuries already seeming to be piling up before the season has even begun (Louis Fenton and Tom Doyle are both out with various niggles) it could be a repeat of last season’s inconsistency. The lack of depth in the squad is a big worry.
Merrick knows he needs a balance of skill and graft in midfield, which is why Vince Lia gets the nod ahead of Rodriguez, with Bonevacia and Finkler sure starters every game. The connection between the Brazilian and Barbarouses will see him often surging into space and pushing forward, while Bonevacia will also be pushing attacking often. Barbarouses and McGlinchey will be key figures on the flanks, with Krishna and/or Watson expected to execute the finishes up front. Glen Moss’ form will be key to whether or not the season is a memorable one for the Nix.
Prediction – 5th or 6th
If the majority of the starting XI can stay fit and play consistently together – the Phoenix will mount a playoff run, and could surprise everyone with a grand final win. It is a big if though. Playing well and regularly picking up three points has always been a tough thing to do for New Zealand sides.
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