Mark Paston and Jon McKain both return for Friday against MelbourneWORLD CUP HERO RETURNS FOR PHOENIX WELLINGTON - Thursday, 3 December 2009THE return of New Zealand World Cup hero Mark Paston is a massive boost to Wellington Phoenix on the eve of their game against competition leaders Melbourne Victory on Friday night. Paston was inspirational for the All Whites in last month's World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, pulling off a stunning penalty save to book his country a spot at the world's biggest sporting event next year. The 32-year-old has also been excellent for the Phoenix this season, his experience and organisational skills helping make the Wellington defence one of the toughest in the Hyundai A-League. Paston missed last weekend's 4-1 loss to the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium after badly corking a thigh following a collision with skipper Andrew Durante at training in the lead-up to that match. Young keeper Reece Crowther was in the firing line as the Phoenix's usually rock-solid defence wilted in the Brisbane heat. Paston admitted the Brisbane match was a tough one to watch: "It was difficult. As a player you want to be out there contributing on the field and watching it on TV isn't good. We didn't defend to our usual high standards against the Roar." With the Victory stretching away at the top of the table and enjoying a purple-patch of form, Paston said Friday night's match would be a litmus test for the Phoenix. "We simply need to get back to where we have been," he said, referring to the Phoenix's own superb run at form at home - going 13 matches undefeated at Westpac Stadium in a streak dating back to October last year. "We haven't been letting in many goals and as a unit we have to recapture that drive to limit the teams on attack and their shots on goal, naturally that will limit the number of goals they get - if any." While Paston is looking forward to starting between the sticks back at the scene of his World Cup heroics, there's another reason the Phoenix custodian is excited about Friday night's match. Former Phoenix number one Glen Moss has returned to Wellington, this time in Melbourne colours. "Mossy was a real favourite of the fans here and he was one of the stars for us in the first two seasons," Paston said. "I'm sure he'll be champing at the bit to play back at Westpac Stadium for the first time since he left and I'd love to see him at the other end of the pitch on Friday night." Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has named a 16-man squad, which will be reduced by one on gameday. Troy Hearfield is a shot to start at right back in place of the suspended Manny Muscat, while midfielders Jon McKain and Diego Walsh return from injury. Friday night's match kicks off at 7.30pm (NZDST) at Westpac Stadium. Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory on Friday, December 4, 2009 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington; Kick-off: 7.30pm (5.30pm AEDT) Referee: Michael Hester TV & RADIO: Live and exclusive broadcast on Sky Sport 1 and Fox Sports 2. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is The Radio Network 1035 AM (Wellington). Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory Team Line-ups
Phoenix: *one to be omitted* PHOENIX: In: Mark PASTON (return from injury), Jon McKAIN (return from injury), DIEGO (return from injury); Out: Manny MUSCAT (suspended - 3 weeks), Jonathan GOULD (gk) (short-term contract expired) MELBOURNE VICTORY: In: Matthew FOSCHINI (promoted), Tom PONDELJAK (return from injury), Surat SUKHA (return from injury); Out: Evan BERGER (hamstring, 4-6 weeks), Grant BREBNER (ankle, 6 weeks), Mate DUGANDZIC (omitted); Unavailable: Marvin ANGULO (pending registration), Billy CELESKI (knee, season), Steven PACE (abdomen, indefinite) *Head-to-Head: Played 7: Wellington Phoenix wins 1, Melbourne Victory wins 3 (3 draws) Round 17 Preview Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League comes at you this weekend from Wellington, Adelaide, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Perth. First up Wellington Phoenix, who are currently on a 13 match streak of undefeated games at home, will be aiming to equal the Hyundai A-League record for the longest run of undefeated home matches but they must do it in the toughest circumstances when they take on top-of-the-table Melbourne Victory, Friday night at Westpac Stadium. Also on Friday night Adelaide United host the Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium. Both teams will be looking for the points as they look to be back in contention for the finals series which is still a wide open race. Adelaide find themselves at the foot of the table, a very strange place for one of the Hyundai A-League's most consistent performers. Branko Culina's Jets will be looking to be at their goal scoring best and will be boosted by the midweek news that Michael Bridges has re-signed with the Newcastle club. On Saturday it's Sydney FC v North Queensland Fury at the SFS. With both teams securing away wins against each other in their first two encounters, the teams will both be looking to get the upper hand in this third and final Round encounter of the 2009/10 season. Next it's off to Skilled Park where Gold Coast United take on Central Coast Mariners in a battle between 3 and 4 on the ladder. Gold Coast see the return of a near full strength backline, while Central Coast will continue the charge which has seen them power their way to 3rd spot in the Hyundai A-League standings. Finally it's across to Perth on Sunday when Brisbane Roar take on the Glory at ME Bank Stadium. Brisbane will be looking to keep the goal scoring form that has seen them put four past Wellington on the weekend. Glory will be tough competition though after their Round 7 match where Glory stormed to a 4-2 win over the Roar at Suncorp. Related Links and Stories
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