Nathan Burns, who has slotted home 10 of the Phoenix's 22 goals this season, is away on Socceroos duty at the Asian Cup, while Roy Krishna - who has five - has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Krishna's 13th minute penalty secured a 1-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Westpac Stadium on Sunday, but the Fiji international will miss at least two games with a grade one hamstring tear.
The win extended fourth-placed Wellington's unbeaten run to five games and repeated their 1-0 win over the Asian Champions League winners from early last month.
The Phoenix travel across the ditch on Monday for a Wednesday clash against third-ranked Adelaide United, returning to Wellington to play the improving Brisbane Roar four days later.
It's a challenging schedule, but Merrick has every confidence in his squad.
Jeremy Brockie, who leaves early next month to join South African team SuperSport United, will most likely be joined by former Costa Rican international Kenny Cunningham and young gun Tyler Boyd.
"I think we've got enough firepower up front, and they're desperate to get a run," Merrick said.
On the plus side, Wellington welcome back the uncompromising Manny Muscat from suspension, and Vince Lia looked solid in his return from injury in Sunday's win over the Wanderers.
Alex Rodriguez will also be back in action. He missed the Western Sydney match after fracturing a bone in his hand earlier this week, but is expected to be back on deck with a soft cast for protection against Adelaide.
"We've got a few bodies that are a bit fatigued and battered and bruised for a game on Wednesday. "
"But it doesn't feel as painful when you get the win."
