With six players away on international duty and a tricky clash against third-placed Sydney FC looming on Sunday, Merrick expects the depth in his squad to be well and truly tested.
Up front, he's lost the prolific Nathan Burns to Australia and attacking midfielder Michael McGlinchey to New Zealand.
Defensively, Phoenix will take a big hit, with Michael Boxall, Louis Fenton and Tom Doyle all away for the All Whites' one-off match against world No.56 Korea Republic in Seoul next week.
Impact striker Tyler Boyd is also away with the Kiwis, but Merrick is confident his replacements will step up, and says under-20 trio Andrew Blake, Matthew Ridenton and Tam Dimario all are looking impressive.
"I like their competitiveness. They're comfortable on the ball, and they understand the position really well," Merrick said.
"I've got some good options - this isn't going to be a patched-up team, this is a strong team. We've got the depth."
Manny Muscat's return from suspension couldn't have been better timed to shore up the Phoenix defence, but Merrick is still undecided as to exactly which line-up he'll run with on Sunday.
The possibility of changing the midfield which has been a big part of the Phoenix's success doesn't appeal, he admits.
"I think we're very strong in midfield and I don't want to compromise that," he said.
"That's a big part of my thinking. Given the number of experienced players we've got in the team, I think we could cope with a youngster, and this is the time for a youngster to step up."
Phoenix's consistency over the last two months has been impressive - it hasn't lost since its 2-0 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers in early February, and has scored 41 goals this season, second only to Melbourne Victory's 45.
But Merrick says Sydney FC, although it will be missing Austrian marquee and golden boot leader Marc Janko, won't be lacking in firepower with Shane Smeltz, Bernie Ibini and Alex Brosque all more than capable of finding the net.
"Sydney are always a good team - they've recruited well and they'll be handful, but again it's entirely a focus on how we're playing."
