PHOENIX A-LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP HOPES FUELLED BY DIRE PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS OF DOOM

Wellington Phoenix are on the verge of pulling off one of the greatest underdog stories in A-League history. 

Tipped by many for the wooden spoon before the season, they head into their final regular season game with a chance to lift the Premiers Plate.

That pre-season doubt is all the fuel they need to deliver a historic performance.

At the start of their campaign, not many, if any, picked success for the Phoenix.

"I don't think anyone in this room actually tipped us to be in the six, to be fair," coach Giancarlo Italiano told local media this week. 

That doubt has inspired them all season long.

"There's a picture of a certain person on YouTube that tipped us to be last and it's up in the changing room," said Italiano. "It stays up there and it's a constant reminder of what people think of us." 

Even after such an unprecedented run, the Phoenix still need to deliver, if they want to create history.

The final regular season game against Macarthur FC kicks off at exactly the same time as closest rivals Central Coast Mariners play Newcastle.

Because the Mariners have a game in hand, the Phoenix need a win combined with a Central Coast loss to claim the premiers plate on Saturday. 

Any other result could see them lose it.

"We want to take care of business," said skipper Alex Rufer. "We want to win the league, so that starts tomorrow night.

"We need to win that game." 

As for checking the Mariners score during their match...

"It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter," said Italiano. "If we don't win, then all of this is pointless."

Or taking a look at the trophy on the sideline? 

"I don't want to see it, I don't want to know about it," said Italiano. "I don't want my players to see it... I just think it's bad luck." 

About 20,000 fans are expected to pile into Sky Stadium, although they won't arrive on trains, with Metlink confirming planned works.

The message to the faithful is clear - plan ahead, if you want the opportunity to possibly see the Phoenix make history.

2024-04-26T18:18:10Z dg43tfdfdgfd