Gold Coast United’s much-publicised ownership woes offer no guarantee of an easy game for Wellington Phoenix when the two teams meet in Sunday’s A-League clash at Westpac Stadium.

Football Federation Australia on Wednesday revoked Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer’s licence for “flagrant disregard” for A-League rules.

Mining magnate Palmer’s Supreme Court injunction application against the termination was thrown out on Friday night.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert says there would be real danger in taking Gold Coast too lightly.

“They could come across here with a no-loss mentality and give it a right crack, or they might be worrying about their futures,” he said.

“But they’re a young exciting side – let’s give them some credit, and it’s in their best interests to come over here and play really well.”

Phoenix captain Andrew Durante says there’s no doubt Gold Coast will be looking for a strong performance, despite the uncertainty around the club.

He says draws against Melbourne Victory last week and the Mariners the week before gave a glimpse of the danger United posed.

“I’m expecting them to come out firing – they’ve been very, very good in their last two games, even when all this nonsense has been going on.

“I definitely don’t think they’ll come over here and throw the towel in, they’re going to be really together on this.”

The Phoenix went through a similar period of uncertainty at the beginning of the season when owner Terry Serepisos, declared bankrupt in late September, relinquished his A-League licence to a new consortium of owners.

“We know how we went through it, and it really brought the boys together so I’m expecting the same from them.”

Herbert says the Phoenix’s players who were part of the All Whites team which lost 2-3 to Jamaica in Auckland on Wednesday had recovered well. Tim Brown, Tony Lochhead and Ben Sigmund were given a brief break from training, but Leo Bertos was back on the paddock quickly, as was goalkeeper Mark Paston.

“They’re all good, and they’ll all be ready for Sunday.”

Wellington are missing just one player from their squad with midfielder Daniel out for the next six to eight weeks with an ankle injury.

The Phoenix are currently fourth on the ladder, following up recent losses to Brisbane Roar and competition leaders Central Coast Mariners with a much-needed 1-0 win over Sydney FC last week.