Victory stand by Mrdja

The controversial short-term signing scored the opening goal in his third game with the club before he was sent off in the 73rd minute, for elbowing Sydney's Shannon Cole in the face.

"I think after it's reviewed he might get off and if he's got a red card for that, I think there might be a couple of Sydney players looked at," Merrick said.

The Victory boss said his side was well-placed to progress to the next phase of the finals after the Etihad Stadium success.

"The away goal doesn't bother me at all, it's about winning games and we'll go up to Sydney to win the game," Merrick said.

"I'm convinced we'll score at least one up there, which will negate theirs."

Sydney FC striker John Aloisi remains confident that the Sky Blues could repeat their home form from the regular season home victory and hand Melbourne their first ever finals defeat.

"The crowd's going to be there, I expect the atmosphere is going to be just as good as last Sunday," he said.

"We know it's going to be a tough game because Melbourne are a good side and they can get us on the break, but if we defend well I'm sure we'll score goals."