Sydney FC midfielder Nick Carle denies their A-League season is on the line when they play Central Coast at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
The Mariners will travel down the F3 brimming with confidence after taking a six-point lead at the top of the table.
Sydney have conceded 10goals in their last three games and slipped to fifth spot and must face reigning premiers Brisbane next week.
However, Carle missed all of those encounters due to a hamstring problem and the former Bristol City and Crystal Palace midfielder is confident the Sky Blues can stop the rot against the Mariners.
"They are playing some very good football, but so were Brisbane when we beat them a few weeks back," Carle said.
"Every game we play is a big game and this one is no bigger or more important than any other we have played this year."
Czech wideman Karol Kisel will also return to the side following suspension and coach Vitezslav Lavicka said he will ring the changes, with his leaky defence put on notice.
Sebastian Ryall is in line for a recall with Jamie Coyne or Michael Beauchamp under threat.
"Things have not been working and we need to improve in defence," Lavicka said.
"We have to make some changes.
"Nicky's return is positive as we haven't won when he's been out."
The Mariners must find a replacement for Matt Simon, who scored twice in his final game for the club in the 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory on Wednesday.
Simon will link up with South Korean side Chunnam Dragons and coach Graham Arnold could turn to Adam Kwasnik, Troy Hearfield or Daniel McBreen to replace the Socceroos striker.
