After last Sunday's comprehensive 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Jets at home, their third loss on the trot, the sky blues now risk letting Melbourne Victory extend their lead at the top to eight points if they win in Wellington and Sydney lose to Fury.

It could be a crucial round in the race for the Premiership and McFlynn says the Sydney players know it. But he said this week they've faced up to some of their problems and are all the better for that.

"The good thing about the squad is that everyone's honest with each other, we're an honest bunch of players and that's how you fix problems. Being honest with each other and honest with yourselves," the Northern Irish midfielder said before training today.

"There wasn't any individual [blame]; it's a collective effort and a team game. We know we let ourselves down, the boss down and the fans down. We've addressed our problems and hopefully we can put them right."

McFlynn alluded to a lack of intensity at the start of games as one potential problem for the second placed sky blues.

A victory for the home side would reduce the margin at the top of the A-League to just two points should Phoenix upset the Vics tonight at the Cake Tin. It's indicative of a season where no team has genuinely stamped its authority on the race for the golden toilet seat.

And the 28-year-old Magherafelt-born former QPR man didn't concede that Victory have earned their tag as current favourites for the title.

"It's still very tight. I wouldn't want to label anyone favourites. It's a tight competition all-round; we just have to look after ourselves to make sure we're there at the end of the season."

In a boost for the side, Karol Kisel began training on Wednesday but is not tipped to take any part in Saturday night's crucial game for both sides. Mark Bridge is also under an injury cloud, potentially opening the door for a return to the run-on side for John Aloisi.

Meanwhile, former Sydney FC wingback Robbie Middleby has hailed the success of their club's marquee star Robbie Fowler.

Speaking on Townsville's Hot FM 103.1 radio station, the veteran believed the former Liverpool man's marquee salary has been money well spent after nine goals this season. And it's not just what he's done on the pitch, said Middleby.  

"One hundred percent it's working on and off the pitch," he said. "Not just for us up here but for the league in general to have someone like that perform like that.

"There have been other marquee players who've come over and not performed, which has been disappointing to pay a lot of money for. For any young kid aspiring to be a footballer, to have that modesty which he has got, is fabulous."

Middleby, keeper Justin Pasfield and striker Jeremy Brockie are all set to return on Saturday night to their former club.

Pasfield was a regular deputy to Clint Bolton for the first two seasons of the league while Brockie was a fringe player in season two under Terry Butcher. 

Middleby, 34, who spent four seasons in the Harbour City, added that his return to Sydney holds no special emotion.

He said: "My heart and soul and everything are here in North Queensland now."