On the face of it the Phoenix should fancy their chances of beating bottom of the table Western Sydney Wanderers in their A-League football match tonight in Wellington.
Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund Photo: PHOTOSPORT
But the Sydneysiders also just happen to be the new Champions of Asia, having beaten the Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal last weekend.
The Wanderers have played two games less than every other club in the A-League, although they remain winless in the competition so far this season.
And the Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick says A-League clubs should celebrate the Wanderers success.
Merrick's men will get the first crack at new Asian football champions since they won the title.
Western Sydney beat Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal's in the recent Asian Champions League final but are currently sitting at the bottom of the A League having played only two games with other clubs having played four.
The Phoenix are coming off a 2-nil loss to Melbourne Victory and currenlty sit fifth.
Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick hopes the Wanderers 26,000-kilometre round trip to Riyadh, coupled with the trip to Wellington and a hangover from celebrations will play into the home side's hands.
The match kicks off at 7.35pm.
