Football: New recruits key as Phoenix seek to build on strong start

Midfielders Roly Bonevacia and Alex Rodriguez have provided a calming influence. Photo / Getty Images

The Wellington Phoenix could complete a dream start to their A-League season during the next five days.

Two wins from the first three matches was a nice start but they have two games this week and another six points would leave them buzzing.

They meet the Melbourne Victory across the Tasman tonight and despite their abysmal record against the Victory in Australia, Melbourne have been wrecked by injuries and suspension after last week's FFA Cup clash with Perth, which should give the Phoenix a dash of hope.

They then have a quick turnaround to host the Western Sydney Wanderers at Westpac Stadium on Friday and the Wanderers have been burdened by their own extracurricular activities in the Asian Champions League.

The 2014-2015 campaign is only three weeks old for the Phoenix but they look a refreshed bunch after the arrival of their new recruits.

Midfielders Roly Bonevacia and Alex Rodriguez have provided a calming influence, alongside the attacking prowess of Nathan Burns and Michael McGlinchey. "If they can keep that form going then we'll continue to win games," goalkeeper Glen Moss said.

"The quality of passing is quite good. We are a bit more clinical in the final third."

Seven goals from three games has indicated that Wellington will be a danger to any side this year, although they're yet to keep a clean sheet.

"I'll take 5-4, 8-7 wins every week," Moss said. "Last year if we were keeping a clean sheet and drawing 0-all we were walking off the pitch like it was a loss. So if we cop one [goal] I don't mind, as long as we score two."

"We are playing good football," coach Ernie Merrick said.

"We are training well, everyone's fit, ready to go and we are looking forward to playing probably the best team on paper in the league."

Despite the strong start to the season, Merrick said he wanted more from his men against Melbourne.

"We are not consistently keeping the ball in the midfield and that's where the game will be lost or won against the Victory," Merrick said. " I'm not happy with our possession there yet."