Mariners entertain Ernie Merrick's side at Bluetongue Stadium buoyed by two league victories already at their opponents this season.

"Melbourne is going to be another tough task, but hopefully having the home ground advantage and our record against them should play in our favour," said Elrich.

"We have nothing to fear against them because we've showed we can go to Melbourne and get fantastic results, so we are looking forward to the game.

"It's been a funny season so far. Anyone coming from seventh or eighth position can get in the top four."

Elrich, meanwhile, returned to the Mariners' starting line-up in the 2-1 defeat at Gold Coast United following five months out after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament for a second time.

"It's tough. Doing your left and your right knee plays on your mind, but you have to be mentally strong to get through it," he added.

Melbourne were soundly beaten 4-0 when the two clubs last met at the beginning of November but boss Merrick, who is likely to bring Tom Pondeljak in for the suspended Nick Ward, is confident his men can avenge that home loss.

"You've always got to put those games behind you, and to see us play at home the following game against Gold Coast and win 4-0, it just shows you what we can do when we want to," he said.

"The last three games we've only conceded one goal and we haven't conceded any from set plays which is something we've been working on."

Second-placed Sydney FC travel to Wellington Phoenix, without Mark Bridge (ankle) and Kofi Danning, having ended a three-game losing streak with the 4-1 defeat of North Queensland Fury last week.

Skipper Steve Corica is also set to make his 200th domestic appearance having played 102 times for Marconi in the NSL, the A-League's predecessor.

"As a 17-year-old you are pretty naive and when I started I was just happy to be playing the game. But as you get older you savour every game and to reach 200 is pleasing," he said.

"When I was younger, I played in the old NSL and it has been great to come back and play in the A-League. To see the game grow and play in front of big crowds has been terrific."

Wellington are without keeper Mark Paston, who has fractured a tibia, and fellow New Zealand international Ben Sigmund after the defender was suspended for three games for punching Melbourne defender Adrian Leijer in last week's 1-1 draw.

However, if they avoid defeat at new venue FMG Stadium in Palmerston North, they will set an A-League record by extending their unbeaten home streak to 15 games.

"It's certainly not what is driving us," said coach Ricki Herbert.

"We know that if we play well then the result will take care of itself, no matter who takes the field. But if we can get that record, then great."

Newcastle Jets suffered a blow ahead of their home encounter with Gold Coast United with the news attacking fulcrum Michael Bridges has been ruled out for three weeks with a minor hamstring tear.

Meanwhile Gold Coast, third in the table, travel to EnergyAustralia Stadium with assistant boss Paul Okon underlining every point is now crucial if they want to make the end-of-season play-offs.

"It's very important that we start to kick on now for the last third of the season," he said.

"This is the period where it all happens and every point is a vital point from now on."

Finally, Perth Glory face North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium without defender Chris Coyne (back) and striker Branko Jelic (ankle) while bottom side Adelaide United travel to Brisbane Roar looking to maintain their unbeaten record at Suncorp Stadium.

Midfielder Massimo Murdocca could make his Brisbane comeback following a broken ankle.