Phoenix expect fired-up Wanderers

Wellington skipper Andrew Durante reckons Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel's sideline ban will only serve to motivate the winless A-League visitors.

Babbel will watch from the stands at Westpac Stadium on Saturday as FFA punishment for his angry reaction to the Wanderers' disallowed goal in last week's 2-0 loss to Sydney FC.

Respected assistant Jean-Paul de Marigny will take over sideline duties and Durante expects it won't provide any advantage to his team.

In fact, he suggests the Wanderers will unearth some extra fire following what he believes was a contentious VAR ruling that swung momentum in the Sydney derby.

"Sometimes it can motivate you. I feel he might be hard done by after getting sent last week after a difficult VAR decision against them," Durante said.

"Maybe they'll use that as a bit of a rally to make sure they're revved up for this game."

The Phoenix have picked up only two competition points from their past seven meetings with Western Sydney and have surrendered eight goals in their past two encounters.

Yet they are favourites following a robust start under Mark Rudan, having opened with a home upset of Newcastle and a scoreless draw in Brisbane.

The most experienced player in A-League history, Durante can tell there's substance behind the results.

"It's still early but the signs are there that we're making a big change. We're making a big difference on the pitch, off the pitch," he said.

"I've been here a long time. I can sense the buzz is back. People are starting to come up to you again in the street. It hasn't happened for a little while."

The match will be Durante's 250th for the Phoenix and, if successful, his 100th win.

He's wary of the attacking threat posed by classy German Alexander Baumjohann and Spanish striker Oriel Riera, along with former Phoenix midfield technician Roly Bonevacia.

However, he challenged the visitors to break down a 5-2-3 formation not often employed in the A-League and which had thrown the Roar off their rhythm.

"It's a very hard formation for other teams to get a grip with because it's always changing," Durante said.

"They've got some decent players who can hurt us if we're not on our game.

"But we've reviewed Western Sydney and, back at home, we believe we can get three points for sure and keep climbing that ladder."