Soccer: Victory loom as big test for Phoenix

Jeremy Brockie. Photo / APN

You will have a good read on how far this Wellington Phoenix have come in the past month based on how they fare against the Melbourne Victory at the Cake Tin tonight.

Sure, they beat the high-flying Western Sydney Wanderers on New Year's Day and they finally broke their Victorian curse with a 1-0 defeat of the Melbourne Heart late last month but the Victory are one of those yardstick sides for the Phoenix.

Historically, Wellington have struggled against the Victory - plus the Brisbane Roar - and whether it comes down to a clash of styles or the continued good form of the Victory, they've always been a tough prospect for the Phoenix.

Wellington coach Ernie Merrick currently has his ninth-placed side in the best shape they've been in all season and they haven't been knocked over in their past four outings.

Confidence is high in the squad and despite losing Paul Ifill (Achilles tendon) and Louis Fenton (shoulder) for the rest of their campaign, they have played some attractive football.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw with Central Coast can be put down to the windy conditions the Cake Tin offered and a dour Mariners outfit, and tonight's game looks set to be more exciting.

Melbourne, who are third on the ladder, beat the Phoenix 3-2 on November 4 at Etihad Stadium but Wellington showed fighting qualities that night as they nearly pulled off a remarkable draw.

That game was also the last time Jeremy Brockie scored in an A-League encounter and as his drought continues, Wellington have evolved under Merrick's watch.

The Victory boast a dangerous side with attacking dynamos Archie Thompson, Kosta Barbarouses, James Troisi and Gui Finkler all capable of causing havoc for a backline.

Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante had an uncharacteristically off-night in November against the Victory and he said his side had spent valuable time in the video analysis room this week.

"We've just got to make sure that we don't get sucked in to everyone getting behind the ball too much and them controlling the game," Durante said.

Tonight's game will also be the biggest test for Michael Boxall, who has been pushed out to right back to compensate for the loss of Fenton.

Normally a central defender, Boxall had his moments against the Mariners last week but was also caught out of position a couple of times. The 25-year-old is a big, strong lad compared to your average football player and he can expect a tough exam.

The only selection question for Merrick was whether out-of-form Brockie should keep his place in the starting line-up or if youngster Tyler Boyd was worthy of a chance to build on his super-sub appearances.