Youstin Salas of the Phoenix during the A-League - Wellington Phoenix FC v Melbourne Victory FC at Sky Stadium, Wellington. Photo: Masanori Udagawa / Photosport
Despite finishing second on the A-League table the Wellington Phoenix can probably consider themselves underdogs going into the semi-final series against Melbourne Victory.
The two sides meet in Melbourne on Sunday with the return leg in Wellington next Saturday.
The Phoenix have limited play-off experience compared to the Victory.
The Melbourne side has won the A-League title four times, while the best the Phoenix have done is third.
The Phoenix have been eliminated in the first round of their last five Finals appearances.
So how much does play-off experience count?
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has previously said the season is about consistency and the play-offs are about pressure.
While that could suggest some changes in personnel, he feels his squad is ready for what lies ahead.
"All year they've been playing with that pressure, that stigma that we're not going to have a good season and (then) they've done well," Italiano said.
"But more the fact that they're more resilient; once they taste defeat the group has a real belief and spirit that they can overcome any situation, which bodes us well for this semi-final."
After their dramatic shootout win over cross-town rivals Melbourne City last weekend, Victory boss Tony Popovic says their plan is simple.
"We just want to keep on winning. We're excited that we're in a big game again in Wellington and credit to them, they've had a fantastic season.
"Hopefully there will be a big crowd and they can lift us, I'm sure it'll lift them and let it be a fantastic game with us coming out on top."
The Victory and Phoenix drew in their game in Melbourne earlier this season and Italiano admits AAMI Park is a tough place to play.
However he says it is a challenge they are looking forward to.
"They're the one club I wanted to play in the semi-final at AAMI because their fans make an electric atmosphere and if we have a good travelling contingent as well it will be a great feel and a great experience for the boys."
Giancarlo Italiano Manager of Wellington Phoenix during the A-League game against Melbourne Victory in November 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Away goals no longer count in two-legged play-off games and Italiano feels they can therefore be a bit more adventurous in the first leg.
He says any positive result - a win or a draw - will make them favourites.
"In the Champions League, which no longer has away goals, the advantage is with the team that is more brave and therefore playing in front of a home crowd is like a half-a-goal advantage and we'll take that mentality."
While encouraging his players to stay level headed in what will be a high pressure situation, Italiano says they also need to enjoy it.
"We're going to go into these games with nothing to lose.
"I feel I've spent my whole season trying to take that pressure off the players and this will be no different.
"They'll enjoy the moment and obviously feels the nerves and all the emotion but I think they're mature enough to get past that."
Top seeds Central Coast Mariners play Sydney FC in the other semi-final.
