Chances would be a fine thing for struggling Phoenix

Weeks like these are the ones Ernie Merrick needs to earn his keep.

The Wellington Phoenix coach has, on paper, brought together the club’s best ever squad, but across the first two weeks they have lost, failed to score and created few clearcut chances.

There have been excuses due to the international window in week one and travel to Perth last weekend, but those end this week.

You never write a team off in week three - Adelaide United famously went winless in the first eight rounds last season before winning the Hyundai A-League title - but a performance is needed on Sunday against Sydney FC to reassure the fans that this season isn’t going to go like last year.

To do this, Merrick has to get the team executing his gameplan effectively, a task will be aided by finally having his full squad to work with during the week.

‘‘This is the first time I’ve been able to work with all the boys in three weeks and will have a full team available, so it’s been good to be able to do some preparation work,’’ Merrick said yesterday.

‘‘The main is to be creating opportunities. Our possession was good against Perth for the first 20 minutes but we didn’t get into enough dangerous areas for shooting opportunities ... we do need to work on that front third.’’

Merrick said the service to the players making runs in behind, as well as the runs being made, needed to improve for heading into Sunday’s game against a team which has won its first two games 4-0.

‘‘It’s very important we start scoring goals and winning games. I’d rather do it against a team that is expected to also be in the top four and that’s the kind of pressure the players will respond to.’’