Football: Phoenix facing Melbourne challenge

Roly Bonevacia and the Phoenix failed to find a way past Sydney. Photo / Getty

The Wellington Phoenix will host Melbourne City in their A-League elimination final on Sunday and a win could set up a tantalising semifinal against the Melbourne Victory across the Tasman the following week.

Last night's 2-1 loss to Sydney FC in the capital pushed the Phoenix to fourth on the standings and meant they missed out on earning a bye during the first week of the playoffs. A win over Sydney would have given them second place and a more favourable trip in the finals.

Melbourne City, who finished fifth, have lurched in to the playoffs with two losses and two draws in their previous four games, while the Phoenix have also mixed their form in the past six weeks.

Back-to-back 3-0 home defeats to the Victory and Sydney FC in rounds 23 and 24 stunted their momentum and they haven't looked the same since.

The Phoenix should start as favourites against City but an away trip to the Victory would be a different beast given they secured the Premiers Plate last night with a 3-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners.

A potential semifinal against the Victory for the Phoenix would be at AAMI Park on Sunday, May 10. The A-League grand final will be played on the weekend of May 16-17.

In this week's other elimination final, Adelaide United, who finished third, will host the sixth-placed Brisbane Roar on Friday.

If Brisbane upset Adelaide and the Phoenix beat City, the Phoenix will play a semifinal against Sydney FC across the Tasman on Saturday, May 9.

Merrick's side had their chances to beat Sydney last night but after midfielder Roly Bonevacia missed a penalty in the early stages, their heads dropped.

"I thought it was a really good effort," Merrick. "Sydney are a good team. They've got some really good quality players.

"We just didn't have key strikers in goal-scoring positions when it counted."

Merrick made a handful of changes to his side from the playing XI that beat Central Coast 3-2 the previous week and goalkeeper Glen Miss missed last night's game with a minor knee injury.

"I thought he'd be fine but he didn't feel right for this game," Merrick said.

Backup custodian Lewis Italiano filled in and made his A-League debut and looked assured but Moss should return for the match against City.