Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert says there will be changes to this weekend's starting line-up from the side that lost 1-0 to the Perth Glory last Sunday.
As the fourth-placed Phoenix depart tomorrow for Australia to meet Gold Coast United on Sunday and the Newcastle Jets next Friday, Herbert's hand has been forced due to injuries and Paul Ifill's return to full fitness.
Striker Mirjan Pavlovic has been ruled out of the trip with a knee injury and Vince Lia picked up a knock to his knee at training today. A decision on his availability will be left until the last minute tomorrow.
Nicky Ward has an ankle complaint and is unavailable to travel too, which sees Jimmy Downey and 19-year-old Cameron Lindsay called upon to join the travelling squad of 16.
Lindsay's inclusion could lead to his A-League debut. The former Blackburn Rovers academy player has been on the bench a few times but is yet to see time on the pitch since he was signed by Herbert as an under-20 player in October.
Herbert said he was yet to make a final call on his playing XI to meet bottom-placed Gold Coast, but had considered changing his goalkeeper after Tony Warner was partly responsible for the late goal in the loss to Perth.
A change between the sticks would mean a return for All White and fan-favourite Mark Paston.
"Mark's done everything really, really well and he's biding his time and waiting for his chance,'' Herbert said.
"[I'm] not sure yet. I'll probably make a couple of changes though ... If [Ifill's] fit on Sunday I'll definitely start him.''
Ifill, who has played from the bench during the past two games after recovering from a groin injury, could come in for Brazilian winger Daniel, who seems to have less impact on away games.
If Lia is unavailable to travel Alex Smith would be the ideal replacement in the midfield with his creativity and attacking flair.
Another factor for Herbert to consider is Smith was released by Gold Coast at the start of the season and the 26-year-old will be desperate to show United manager Miron Bleiberg what he missed out on.
As the Phoenix continue to chase an elusive away win this season, Herbert said he didn't view it as an advantage that Gold Coast and Newcastle were below them on the ladder.
"Look, we've just got to go over there resolute. Absolutely fear nothing and try and get something from these games.
"I probably see anybody away as a chance to do it to be fair. I don't think there's anybody in the league now that any of the sides probably think is going to be a massive test where you are going to be under the pump for 90 minutes. We've always got a shot. They'll be desperate, they want to get points. We are desperate, we want to win away.''
