Failure to take the three points against Wellington Phoenix this weekend could prove to be a knockout blow to our finals hopes this season.

With tough road games against both Melbourne clubs following this match, it’s essential that we maximise our chances to pick up points on the run home.

Playing Wellington at home is the perfect opportunity to do that.

The Nix have had a tough season to date and come into the match with nothing to lose.

That makes them dangerous.

They also have a new coach after Darije Kalezić parted ways with the club during the week.

A change at the top often inspires an immediate reaction from teams, so that’s something we have to be wary of as well when Chris Greenarce steps in on the weekend. We can’t afford to be complacent or play like we did last week in our 1-1 draw with Perth Glory.

We lacked intensity and we were far from our best when we needed to be.

It was very disappointing, even more so for me because a hip flexor issue kept me out of the match.

It was also tough to play without the support of the Red and Black Bloc, in front of what was our smallest home crowd in the club’s history.

Having that many people at one of our home games would have been unimaginable two years ago, but unfortunately that was the reality in the fallout from the Sydney derby.

We desperately need them back in the stands and for matters to be resolved because they are out 12^th man.

They are a huge asset to the entire competition.

They also give us strength and that will be needed more than ever in the race for the finals.

Another week, another VAR mess.

It’s unfortunately become all too common in our competition this season.

There was no doubt that it had a massive impact on Sydney FC’s match against Newcastle Jets.

And did it need to? I don’t think so.

The sooner it is out of our game, the better for everyone.

Saturday, 7.50pm

Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix, Spotless Stadium