ERNIE MERRICK: "But that's the difference between the two teams, inexperience and experience and coping with pressure."

Ernie Merrick has conceded that his Wellington Phoenix players still lack the big match temperament that will be required if the club is to make noise in next month's A-League finals series.

The Phoenix slumped to their second straight 3-0 home defeat on Sunday, as Merrick's old club, Melbourne Victory, stole Wellington's spot on top of the ladder with a mature and professional attacking display.

Wellington dropped to third place on a congested ladder and Perth Glory had the opportunity to push the Phoenix down to fourth with a win over last-placed Newcastle Jets on Monday night.

With three regular season rounds remaining, the Phoenix are assured of qualifying for the top-six finals.

But Merrick will need to restore confidence if they are to beat Melbourne City at AAMI Park this Sunday and reset their sights on a top-two finish, which earns teams the first finals weekend off and then a home semifinal.

"An extremely disappointed team but I spoke to them about the difference of the two teams which was experience against inexperience, a team that's used to playing in finals and a team that's pretty battle hardened," said Merrick, who coached Victory to two championships before joining the Phoenix.

"And under pressure and high expectation, they still perform.

"They win the ball, they keep possession, they're clinical in their finishing. So to start by conceding a goal after 30 seconds, against the best team in the league at the moment, it makes life very tough.

"But that's the difference between the two teams, inexperience and experience and coping with pressure."

There was no update available on Monday regarding injured striker Joel Griffiths.

The 35-year-old won't have a scan on his left knee until later in the week as he first consults a specialist and waits for the swelling to subside.

But Merrick's initial fears were that the injury was serious and it seems unlikely he will take the field again this season.

Offsetting that loss, the Phoenix should be boosted by the return of an experienced trio to play City.

Midfield general Albert Riera, whose organisation was sorely missed against Victory, will be available again after serving a one-match suspension, while Merrick also expected midfielder Vince Lia (hamstring) and defender Ben Sigmund (quad) to put their hands up for selection.

Merrick was reluctant to single him out, but young Spaniard Alex Rodriguez was exposed in trying to fill Riera's role against Victory.

"I don't think it was any individual players, I think it was just the combination," Merrick said.

"When you've got experienced players like Vince and Albert, they're just in tune with each other. Having said that I thought Alex did a pretty good job.

"He was disappointed at giving the ball away that caused one of the goals but really it was clinical finishing up front."

As for the focus at training this week: "I'm working more on their heads than I'm working with the ball.

"If I can get their heads up, and I think I will, and we approach next week with a very positive outlook I think we'll do well."