The Nix are currently nine games unbeaten and will look to break double figures against Robbie Fowler’s team at the Suncorp Stadium.
After winning their last three on the bounce, there is a healthy swagger around their training ground. But Talay says its healthy confidence, not arrogance, that is driving his players.
“They’re confident where they’re enjoying football and they want to get on the ball. It’s not arrogance, it’s more confidence of belief in themselves and what they can do.”
Deserve it
With three wins and seven goals from their last trio of fixtures, the Yellow and Black have earned their confidence and will be hopeful of another positive result against the Roar - who are third bottom in the league.
Wellington are level on points with Perth Glory but have a far inferior goal difference and are just two behind second placed Melbourne City - although the Glory have won their last five games by impressive margins.
Talay will welcome back David Ball, who is a key part of the fluid attacking line-up and is often the link between midfield and attack. The former English league veteran likes to drop deep to receive the ball but can also use his pace to get in behind, although the head coach would prefer to keep Ball’s powder dry as he returns from injury.
A waiting game
“We’re not going to start him, at this stage, but we’ll see how the game goes,” said Talay. “It would be great not to use him, but we’ll see how the game goes.”
One thing the Phoenix are good at is keeping goals out. They have the third best defensive record in the A-League and a lot of that starts with goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic, who returned home to New Zealand are years in Germany.
He makes a massive difference - and captain Steven Taylor singled him out for praise. “You look at Stefan (Marinovic) in goal. Some of his saves have been outstanding. He’s nearly got an assist a few times, and all through the park the players have had a big role.”
Come Saturday afternoon, Marinovic will have another big part to play.