By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Sydney, March 12 NZPA - Wellington Phoenix's history-making A-League soccer adventure has taken another unexpected turn as they rejected the underdog tag ahead of tomorrow's preliminary final against Sydney FC.

Despite three regular season losses to the minor premiers seemingly justifying the Phoenix's status as outsiders, players and management today spoke bullishly of New Zealand football's golden summer extending to next weekend's grand final against Melbourne Victory.

Coach Ricki Herbert and midfield dynamo Tim Brown downplayed the relevance of those previous setbacks against the inaugural A-League champions by maintaining they venture on to the Sydney Football Stadium (10pmNZT) supremely confident.

"It's difficult not to be confident going into this," said Brown.

"We've won eight of the last 10, we're playing some great football and we're finding ways to win in pretty difficult situations.

"If there was ever a time to think we should win against Sydney, now's that time."

Herbert was equally optimistic about playing a nemesis that had their direct route to the final diverted by Melbourne's 4-3 aggregate win in the two-leg major semifinal.

"If we really do perform, we're a genuine shot to win this one," he said.

"A lot of people didn't expect us to make the play-offs let alone get this far.

"I sense there's a hunger and desire to go all the way. We owe Sydney one and what better stage to upset them?"

Since a 1-0 loss to Sydney FC at a windswept Palmerston North in December, reversals have a rarity for the Phoenix, who approach their revenge mission on a five-match winning streak that features stirring sudden death defeats of Perth Glory - on penalties - and Newcastle Jets 3-1 after extra time.

While top scorer Paul Ifill has been an inspired acquisition this season, Manny Muscat's switch from right back to a holding role in midfield has been equally valuable in stabilising the all important middle of the park.

"He's been fantastic," Brown said of the Australian.

"It's taken time but our system has evolved to fit the players that we have so we're a vastly improved outfit from the one that's played Sydney in the past."

Sydney FC are yet to encounter Muscat in his new guise. In contrast, there is no surprise about the threats posed by their midfield maestro.

While veteran striker John Aloisi remains clinical in front of goal and the pace of Alex Brosque has already tormented the Phoenix on the SFS, Brown rated Stuart Musialik as the opponent to shut down.

"He a supreme talent. Everything goes through him and if he starts getting touches and dictating the game it's going to be very, very tough," Brown said.

Brosque, meanwhile, was unimpressed with the positivity streaming from the Phoenix camp.

"Even though they're saying it's a one-off game and anything can happen .... psychologically in the back of their minds they know they haven't been able to beat us this year," he said.

Both teams wrapped up preparation today with Sydney FC confirming Socceroos defender Shannon Cole had not recovered from a hamstring strain meaning Sebastian Ryle is retained in their back four.

Herbert was still to finalise his defence, with All White Ben Sigmund possibly making way for Jon McKain who returns from a one-game suspension.

And though the Phoenix no longer have the luxury of fanatical home support, Brown playfully suggested Australian soccer "neutrals" would be willing the New Zealanders to victory.

"Sydney probably has a sense of entitlement about their position in Australian football and the A-League," he said.

"It's like when you play Manchester United - there's always a sense of wanting to knock them off their perch.

"I imagine we'll have a few people supporting us around the country."

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