Rested Phoenix primed for Mariners

Nov 24, 2017 - 7:10 AM For the first time this season, Wellington Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic will have the luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from for Saturday's A-League game against Central Coast Mariners.

Wellington are yet to field the same back four in consecutive games, with injury and international duty causing a constant disruption.

But with last week's game away to Sydney Wanderers postponed due to pitch problems, they will tackle the Mariners rested and rejuvenated.

Andrew Durante and Michael McGlinchey are back from their All Whites stint, while experienced Italian centre back Marco Rossi and right back Scott Galloway have recovered from niggling injuries.

Wellington's first win of the season came two weeks ago, an impressive 5-2 result over Perth Glory, and Kalezic is hopeful they can use it as a launching pad.

He was pleased not only with Wellington's passing game against the West Australians but the way they used possession.

"I was very happy with how effective we were in this game," Kalezic said.

"It's not only passing and having ball possession, you have to be effective with those things."

The Mariners, ninth on the ladder to Wellington's 10th, will be boosted by the return of skipper Alan Baro from suspension and may also have striker Blake Powell back to full fitness for the first time this season.

Powell spent a fruitful season at Wellington two years ago, scoring eight goals in 23 games before returning to Sydney.

Central Coast have only posted one win so far, albeit an impressive 2-0 victory over defending champions Sydney FC two weeks ago.

Kalezic says their coach Paul Okon has boosted his side by signing Dutch holding midfielders Wout Brama and Tom Hiariej and they will work hard in delivering the possession.

And although Central Coast often start slowly, Kalezic says they have made changes to their structure in their last two games.

"They are more in balance now, they think more about defending also. They try to play high from their own goal, and they try also to put pressure on the opponents' half," he said.

Source: AAP