The table-topping Central Coast Mariners remain the Brisbane Roar's biggest threat, if they can rediscover their form from earlier this campaign.
The table-topping Central Coast Mariners remain the Brisbane Roar's biggest threat, if they can rediscover their form from earlier this campaign.
Graham Arnold's men have failed to win four of their last five outings, a run that has left them just three points ahead of the Roar at the top of the table.
A heavy schedule of three games in five days and the absence of their Olyroos representatives have been partly to blame.
Starlet Tomas Rogic has been a find for Arnold, but they cannot be reliant on the teenager to provide and score goals.
Olyroos captain Oliver Bozanic will be welcomed back, while how Arnold handles the return of Mustafa Amini with Rogic in fine form will be watched with interest.
Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan's return should also provide the Mariners with a boost ahead of a difficult run home.
They host a desperate Sydney FC on Sunday, an encounter they may enter in second spot if the Roar can secure a win at home to the Melbourne Heart.
The Sky Blues are a point adrift of the sixth-placed Newcastle Jets, but must correct their inconsistent form if they are to book a finals place.
The meeting with Vitezslav Lavicka's men is followed by a trip to Perth Glory, a home clash with Adelaide United and a visit to take on the Wellington Phoenix - all with an Asian Champions League campaign also to deal with.
The Mariners' spectacular first half of the season was based on a strong defence, led by Ryan, Pedj Bojic, Patrick Zwaanswijk, captain Alex Wilkinson and Josh Rose.
In the first 17 matches of the campaign, stubborn and well-organised Mariners defending saw them concede just 11 goals.
In the last six games, they have let in 10, raising concerns they may have peaked too early in the campaign.
Arnold has been happy with his team's performances despite the recent losses, and it remains to be seen how long he remains patient with his faltering outfit.
With Rogic in form and Michael McGlinchey's efforts under-rated this campaign, the midfield has remained strong.
But the reported loss of Rostyn Griffiths to the Chinese Super League could hurt, although John Hutchinson is more than capable of filling the void at the bottom of the diamond.
Adam Kwasnik, Daniel McBreen and Bernie Ibini-Isei have battled up front since the departure of Matt Simon to the K-League, while on-loan striker John Sutton is predictably taking time to find his feet.
The Roar are starting to find their best form at the right time, but an on-song Mariners side are more than capable of going one better than last season - if they can rediscover their best.