Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler is under no illusions of the challenge facing his team as they try to stop Wellington Phoenix chasing history.
The in-form Phoenix head to Queensland aiming to set a new club record of 10 A-League matches without defeat in Saturday's clash at Suncorp Stadium.
The run includes a 2-1 win over the Roar earlier this season in Wellington.
The run has't gone unnoticed by Fowler, who praised former North Queensland Fury teammate Ufuk Talay for his work in lifting Phoenix to third on the table.
"We're playing a team who is absolutely flying at the minute," Fowler said.
"I think Uffie has got them playing really good football. He's got them well-balanced. Of course it's a good test."
The Roar will be forced to make at least one change from the team which drew 2-2 against Melbourne City last week, with captain Tom Aldred suspended.
There's also a question mark over fullback Scott Neville, who only completing light training throughout the week due to the lower-leg injury which forced him off early in the game against City.
Corey Brown will be available after his return to the Roar following his release by Melbourne Victory was confirmed on Friday.
Although Fowler admitted Saturday may come too soon for the 26-year-old.
George Mells, Aaron Reardon and Kai Trewin have all been included in the Roar's squad with Connor O'Toole and Aiden O'Neill still on Olyroos duty at the AFC Under-23 championships in Thailand.
"This is why you have a squad," Fowler said.
"We're quite blessed with some of the players that we have got. Players who can fill in to certain positions, different roles.
"We have an idea of how we're going to play and we've been working on that."
The Phoenix have been boosted by the return of English striker David Ball from injury, coming back into a frontline the already boasts compatriot Gary Hooper and nine-goal Mexican Ulises Davila.
"Having Ball back makes a massive difference to the team - with both the energy he brings up front, the runs that he makes, the assists and the goals too," Talay said.
Saturday's match will be played after a curtain-raiser featuring Roar legends such as Matt McKay, Matt Smith and Henrique from 2pm to raise funds for communities affected by the bushfire disaster.
KEY MATCH STATS
* Wellington Phoenix have suffered just one defeat in their past seven matches against Brisbane Roar.
* Brad Inman's double against Melbourne City means the Brisbane Roar winger has scored four goals in his past three matches.
Australian Associated Press
