Danny Vukovic underlined the importance of the trip to Gold Coast United as Central Coast look to secure their place in the top four of the A-League.

Following last week's goalless draw with Perth Glory - in which Vukovic kept his eighth clean sheet of the season - Mariners lie third on goal difference ahead of Gold Coast with just over a third of the season to go.

Gold Coast were hammered 4-0 at Melbourne Victory last week but Vukovic stressed they cannot underestimate an opponent that was among the frontrunners during the early part of the season.

"It's a massive game, we can go three points clear of Gold Coast if we win," said the 24-year-old.

"They were played off the park by Melbourne. Obviously they had their injuries and suspensions but I'm sure they're going to have a much stronger team when we play them, so we can't take them lightly.

"We will look to create a few more chances, and we're confident we can go there and get the win. We're in the mix and sitting where we want to be."

Gold Coast boss Marion Bleiberg, meanwhile, welcomes back three defenders for the clash but could be short on options in attack with Joel Porter and Tahj Minniecon struggling.

Kristian Rees, Bas van den Brink and Steve Pantelidis all return from suspension but Porter has a knee injury and Minniecon a thigh strain leaving Shane Smeltz as the only recognised striker, although Brazilian Milson and Andrew Brasic could come into the picture.

Leaders Melbourne travel to Wellington Phoenix boosted by the news influential defender Matthew Kemp has shaken off a groin injury sustained against Gold Coast.

Phoenix were outclassed 4-1 by Brisbane Roar last week but Victory boss Ernie Merrick believes that will count for little at the Westpac Stadium.

"I don't read into any one game, they've been consistent all year as we have and I think it makes for a good game," he said.

"They're particularly good at shutting down the midfield of attacking teams and if your midfield's shut down then you don't get the service to the strikers.

"Last week our midfield were outstanding. So it's really up to our midfield not to be controlled and dominated."

Wellington welcome back New Zealand hero Mark Paston and the goalkeeper stressed the whole squad are eager to make up for last week's disappointment.

"This season we haven't let too many teams have a good look at goal and the Brisbane game was certainly one where we didn't play all that well," the 32-year-old said.

"The good thing is that everyone involved put their hands up and admitted that."

Second-placed Sydney fell five points behind Melbourne after last week's disappointing 3-1 home loss to Newcastle Jets so striker John Aloisi is set to earn a recall for the visit of North Queensland Fury to the Sydney Football Stadium.

"We are a little bit down now but I watched the desire from the players at training and we want to improve," said Sydney boss Vitezslav Lavicka.

"The first part of the season we had good results but the last games, especially, we had big problems defending. We made lazy tactical mistakes and the opponent punished us."

Brisbane Roar will have Michael Zullo and Henrique available again following injury and suspension respectively when they travel to the ME Bank Stadium to face Perth Glory. Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi is a doubt for the hosts with a back problem.

Finally, bottom side Adelaide United host Newcastle at Hindmarsh Stadium with coach Aurelio Vidmar underlining the sense of disappointment currently pervading the Reds.

"It's very embarrassing and I need to take full responsibility for that," he said.

"It's just unacceptable, we understand that and I need to give a big apology to the fans, to the members, to everyone involved because it's just not good enough."