Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has confirmed he will continue with a positive approach in tonight's major semi-final first leg. The Victory take on Sydney FC, who have had the wood over them this season, and with a few key injuries, particularly to the attacking line, it would be easy for Merrick to try and sit back and keep the opposition out of it.

But Merrick has always sent out a side with an attacking attitude and that is not about to change.

"We've always approached every game with a very positive mindset and I always feel, especially at home, that we can play good football and beat any team if we play our best football," Merrick said.

"That's what it comes down to - a bunch of players who play for Melbourne Victory that really feel as though they can win any game. That's probably why we've never lost a finals game."

Despite injury woes including Archie Thompson, Matthew Kemp, Robbie Kruse and the doubt over Roddy Vargas, Merrick says there is plenty of cover within the squad.

"Kevin Muscat will come back into the starting 11, so will Surat Sukha," Merrick added.

"We've got young Mate Dugandzic coming in and he's ready to go. If you look at the squad overall, you'd be hard-pressed to find an inexperienced player. I think the most inexperienced is (goalkeeper) Mitch (Langerak), who has been playing really well and is there on merit.

"Leigh Broxham is one of the younger players and this is his third championship campaign…we've got a very strong side…"