Wellington coach Ufuk Talay says the World Cup break could prove a turning point in his side's A-League Men season, with the Phoenix refreshed and ready to host third-placed Adelaide United.
With just one win from seven games, Talay hopes his players have enough energy in their legs to propel the Phoenix up the table and into finals contention.
In a big boost, captain Alex Rufer could return to the side after a nine-month injury lay-off since rupturing a cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Talay says the New Zealand international has been training well but will wait until closer to the game before deciding on whether to include him in the starting side.
"I think physically he's in a good space, the side for Alex is the mental side of being prepared to actually go out there and play when he's thrown on the park," he said.
Talay will hope his returning captain will add some much needed game management, with the Nix having led in all but two games this season.
Despite their lowly league position, he believes his side has played good football.
The former Sydney FC player has made winning their home games a priority and will be eager for a warm Wellington welcome when they return to Sky Stadium after a 1-1 draw in Wollongong to Western Sydney.
While nominally a home game, the crowd was dominated by Wanderers supporters who caught the 90 minute train down to the Illawarra.
However, with the club's supporter group the Yellow Fever set to stage a protest against the Australian Professional Leagues' Sydney grand final deal, the Phoenix can only expect 20 minutes of support before the fans' vow of silence.
Talay says he understands their frustration and backed their right to express themselves however they see fit.
"The fans play a massive role within the game," he said.
"I've always said that without fans the game is nothing."
