The Wellington Phoenix's hopes of making the A-League play-offs have suffered a near-fatal blow after Macarthur FC beat Western United 2-1 on Monday night.
The result all but secures Macarthur a place in the top six, although they need a point from their final game against Wellington to confirm their spot in the playoffs.
The Phoenix remain seventh, but now need several results to go in their favour over the final week of the regular season.
A win for the Phoenix in their last game against Macarthur on Friday won't assure them a place in the playoffs as they'll also need Adelaide, Brisbane and or Perth to lose.
Just six points separate the teams ranked from third to ninth.
The Phoenix are unbeaten in their last ten games - a club record - but five draws - in which the Phoenix led in four - have hurt their aspirations for a first A-League title.
Perth play Brisbane on Wednesday while Adelaide hosts the Western Sydney Wanderers on Thursday.
The best results for the Phoenix's chances would be wins for Brisbane and Western Sydney.
