United return to the stage where they opened their account back in August with a result that  emphatically announced their arrival on the A-League scene.

The 3-1 triumph over Brisbane Roar began a run of three consecutive victories that propelled Gold Coast to the summit of the ladder. 

"The good run we enjoyed at the start of the season began at Suncorp Stadium and there is no better place or time to get back to that kind of form," said Bleiberg. "Our aim is to come away with the three points, and, if other results go our way over the weekend, to get back to the top of the ladder.

"It's also about time that we got back to playing the kind of football we were displaying at the beginning of the season and there's a determination within the squad to do just that.

"We are going into the game with full confidence because we want to win and hope to take advantage of the fact that the Roar are missing a few key players."

Gold Coast will be without the big names of Jason Culina and Shane Smeltz, both of whom are away on international duty, but welcome back the energetic trio of Steve Pantelidis, Zenon Caravella and Tahj Minniecon to their ranks.

With the derby atmosphere hanging in the air, Bleiberg says the return of the feisty Pantelidis and midfield dynamo Caravella, could not come at a better time.

"Having Zenon and Panta back is a bonus for us because their contribution to our team is huge," he said.

"They are both fiery, strong in the tackle and have great energy. When you are facing a battle they are the type of players you want on your side.

"Perhaps we were missing a bit of fire in our bellies last week against Wellington, but these two will certainly provide it for us this weekend."

Tahj Minniecon's return after a four-match absence is another welcome boost for Gold Coast. With the absence of goal-machine Smeltz, the United boss declared the derby match as a great chance for the youngster to display his talents.

Bleiberg said: "Tahj has always been considered as one of our top three strikers and now that Shane is away the chance is there for him.

"He trained very well when he came back from his international commitments and looked sharp."

After the high profile build up to the first clash between the two rivals back in August, Bleiberg repeated his declaration that this encounter is all about the points on offer.

Unwavering in his determination to get his team back to winning ways, Bleiberg said any 'personal issues' regarding the fixture had been well and truly put to bed after the round one win.

"The issues that surrounded the first match for me personally are no longer there and that is history now," he said.

"We are happy that we won the first ever derby between the two teams and we want to win again, but there is only ever one 'first game'.

"It is a derby and there will be a derby atmosphere, but this is about us going for three points and getting the three points. We are expecting a fierce game but hope that it's played in a good spirit by both sides."

Qantas Young Socceroo Tahj Minniecon, who returns to his old stomping ground once again, declared himself ready to play against his former team-mates and echoed the sentiments of his coach, saying the match was an ideal chance for him to establish a regular starting berth for United.

Minniecon added: "Shane is away this weekend so there's an opportunity for me to do well.

"For many reasons the team has had to be changed from week to week, but in the upcoming matches we will have more players available, so it's important to stake a claim for a regular starting spot by putting in a good performance.

"It's the start of the second round and we want to play the way we did at the beginning of the season, and get the same result of course.

"The Roar have a few players out this week but it will still be a tough game for us. However, we are confident that we can get on top of them and come away with the result we're after."