Monday's game is the Victory's first under coach Kevin Muscat, appointed for two seasons as replacement for new Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou.
Muscat was the Victory's inaugural captain, with Merrick the first coach, and the fiery former defender also began his coaching apprenticeship under Merrick.
Merrick has no doubt his former protege is the man for the job, and will continue the Victory's emphasis on attacking football and scoring goals.
"I think Kevin Muscat is the right person to coach them for a period of time.''
The Phoenix are still hunting their first win, having opened the A-League season with a loss and two draws, while the Victory have two draws and notched up their first win with a 1-0 victory over Brisbane Roar last week.
After lacklustre opening efforts to date, Merrick has targeted a strong start against the Victory.
"It's very important against a side like Victory that we start off well and don't give them the first 20 minutes with possession and opportunities at goal,'' he said.
"Don't take risks at the back in the first eight minutes. Let's get into their half and let them take the risks.''
Merrick has right back Louis Fenton back to full fitness to boost a settled back four, but is still looking for the best midfield mix and attacking line-up as the Phoenix target more possession in the front third.
He admits it will take a little time to get everything right, as he looks to juggle combinations to get the best from Paul Ifill, Kenny Cunningham, Carlos Hernandez, Jeremy Brockie and Stein Huysegems.
"It'll take two or three games to play consistently.
"I don't want to just have a starting 11 and set strikers up front. We have to have three, four or five players pushing for that first-11 spot.''
-AAP
