They're slumming near the lower reaches of the A-League men's ladder, their playoffs hopes are over and they're hosting the top-scoring side

But Wellington Phoenix football coach Giancarlo Italiano still feels his side's on an even footing against the Western Sydney Wanderers today.

He's missing two starting central defenders and a key midfielder for this fixture, in Isaac Hughes, Scott Wootton and Paulo Retre through injury, while Phoenix captain Alex Rufer is suspended.

Italiano feels the bye for Western Sydney and having a few internationals returning means it's all to play for.



The third-placed Wanderers have banged in 47 goals in 20 games ... the Nix have scored just 19.

Kickoff's at 5pm.