It's not surprising that Sydney FC midfielder Nicky Carle is viewing the run to the finals with some trepidation.
Most football sides would look at a fixture list that read five home games over the closing eight rounds with a measure of comfort.
But not Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues are much more at ease on the road than they are at the SFS, where stage fright and the pressure of performing in front of their loyal but demanding fans often brings out the worst in them.
Ten home matches this campaign have yielded just three wins and three draws for a paltry return of 12 points from a possible 30.
But take them out of the Harbour City and it's a much prettier picture: nine games for a creditable 12 points from three wins and three draws.
No wonder Sydney midfielder Nicky Carle is viewing the run to the finals with some trepidation.
"It's been very frustrating. Our away form has been spectacular but we haven't hit our straps at home," he told said.
"If I knew why then I'd tell you but it's hard to put your finger on it."
"We're in the top six but you want to cement your spot quick smart in the next few weeks so hopefully we can improve on that home record."
"With five home games out of eight, we really haven't got an excuse not to push higher into the six."
That mission continues on Sunday when the Sky Blues host Newcastle at the SFS.
Two points separate the sides on the Hyundai A-League table - sixth-placed Sydney are on 24 with the Jets a spot behind on 22.
"It's a very important game," Carle said.
"The comp is so tight and we're there or thereabouts with a chasing pack behind us so you'd like to finish a bit higher up on the table."
"We're confident of doing well wherever we finish in the top six but obviously the higher you are the better chance you are."
"Against the better sides we've actually done quite well and played some of our better football and hopefully that's the case on Sunday."
Meanwhile, Sydney FC have entered into a community partnership with the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation (SCHF).
Launched at the SFS on Tuesday, the club will help raise awareness and funds for the hospital.