Although Glory's defence has conceded 16 goals over the first six matches of the new season, Coyne said Melbourne's back four was probably the weakest element in Victory's line-up.

And he feels Glory's Eugene Dadi and Nikita Rukavytsya have the ability to show it up, despite Melbourne's backline boasting former Socceroo Kevin Muscat and Rody Vargas.

"The midfield and attack is so strong that the defence isn't put under too much pressure throughout the game," said Coyne.

"I know they haven't conceded too many goals but that probably is the weakest area.

"But we feel that with Eugene playing quite well and Nikita's pace, we think we can expose them at the back."

Coye said Glory would look to pounce late in the game, using their pace upfront to expose Muscat's ageing legs in particular.

Queensland Roar used the same tactic effectively last weekend, he said, when Tahj Minniecon and Michael Zullo secured the points for Frank Farina's men.

Their goals during the final 10 minutes clinched the game, albeit against a 10-man Victory side that was without the dismissed Carlos Hernandez.

Glory's chances of repeating that feat were given a boost on Tuesday with key Victory defender Michael Thwaite to miss this weekend's tie after suffering an ankle injury against Roar.

Thwaite joins a large group of players on the sidelines for Victory with Michael Theoklitos, Ney Fabiano and Hernandez are all suspended, and Nick Ward (thigh) injured, while Young Qantas Socceroos Nathan Elasi and Sebastian Ryall in Thailand on international duty.

Glory will be missing several players of their own however, as Hayden Foxe (foot), Jimmy Downey (thigh) and Amaral (hamstring) are all injured while defender Dino Djulbic is also suspended.