KEY POINTS:
The big guns will be blazing at Olympic Park tonight as A-League champions Melbourne Victory show their real teeth for the first time this season.
Handed home advantage by the Wellington Phoenix, who could have played this Pre Season Cup play-off game at their place, Victory coach Ernie
Merrick grabbed the chance of a first real home game this season with glee. After an indifferent start in games in Geelong, Tasmania and Perth and finishing at the bottom of their pool, the Hyundai A-League champions might be considered a soft touch. Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert won't buy into that.
"They are still the team to beat," said Herbert as he prepared for a 90-minute training session with his squad in Melbourne yesterday. "They are back to full strength and will be keen to get on a roll. I'm more than happy to play them at their best."
Ace goal-grabber Archie Thompson returns from the disappointing Asian Cup venture to bolster the Victory attack.
With players such as Michael Theoklitos, captain Kevin Muscat, Adrian Leijer (who could be headed for Europe), Danny Allsopp, Adrian Caceres and the new boy from Brazil, Leandro Love, all down to play, this will be no picnic for the Phoenix.
Herbert is also aware that when the real deal kicks off in three weeks, his team will be up against Melbourne Victory.
"I won't be showing too much," said Herbert. "But then, neither will Ernie. There is still an element of trial and error for us as players come back from injury."
While Brazilian defender Cleberson returns after missing last week's game and goalkeeper Mark Paston joins the squad for the first time, Herbert is unlikely to make many changes.
He will probably give Cleberson a start alongside Steve O'Dor at the heart of the defence and use Karl Dodd off the bench. Paston will almost certainly sit this one out.
Herbert admitted he was still waiting for a couple of his Brazilians to hit top form, excusing their efforts so far as simply a lack of recent match play.
"The way things are going, we could have everybody fit by the time of our first game," said Herbert. "That would create a headache,but a good one."
A win tonight would guarantee a home game for the Phoenix in their last cup game next weekend. They will play either Sydney FC or Newcastle Jets.
