Striker Bruce Djite (hamstring) and defender John Curtis (groin) were already scratched for United's second trip to Melbourne in three weeks, but today they were joined on the injury list by speedster Tahj Minniecon and attacking weapon James Brown, who are both bed-ridden with a stomach virus.

Rising star Brown was outstanding in last Sunday's 2-1 win over North Queensland Fury with his clever runs and neat use of the ball a constant menace.

After being forced to travel to Etihad Stadium last season with a severely depleted line-up that eventually went down 4-0 to Victory, Bleiberg could be excused from feeling a touch of déjà vu as he plots a way to return home with all three points.

"The situation does feel a little similar but hopefully the outcome will be a little different," Bleiberg said.

"Last time the absentees were in the centre of defence which obviously put us on the back foot. This time it's up front and out wide, which is perhaps less crucial, so hopefully we can do better this time.

"It's disappointing to lose James Brown but there isn't much we can do about his illness. Even if his name is Maradona it's better to have a healthy player who can give 100% than one who is sick.

"But it will give a chance to one of the other youngsters - James Brown got his chance when someone else was sick, now it's an opportunity for another player; that's life."

Into the squad in place of Brown and Minniecon come youth team starlets Ben Halloran and Chris Harold, two highly regarded youngsters who have already made cameo appearances from the bench this season, although Bleiberg revealed few clues as to which of the two, if any, will start the game.

Gold Coast are unbeaten in their last eight outings and their only defeat of the 2010/11 campaign came against this weekend's opponents.

With that in mind, as well as the chance to close the gap on leaders Brisbane Roar and second-placed Adelaide United, who also face each other on Saturday evening, Bleiberg says there is more than enough incentive for his troops.

"After 11 rounds they are the only team who have beaten us so we something extra to play for - it's a challenge," he said.

"But every other coach will tell you that three points in Townsville is just as good as three points in Melbourne.

"Our game is just before the Brisbane v Adelaide game so it's like a bit of a curtain-raiser!

"Everybody knows what's at stake and if you put all the facts together - that we want to be close to the top, that we want to close the gap on Adelaide and the Roar, that we want to beat Melbourne who are the only team to beat us this season - we have several reasons why we want to win this game and hopefully we will do."

Gold Coast have several former Melbourne Victory players in their ranks, but this season's signing, goalkeeper Glen Moss, makes his first return to Etihad Stadium since inking a contract back in July.

United's custodian has been in stellar form since his move, marshalling the meanest defence in the competition and conceding just seven goals this term.

His performances have been punctuated with a string of world-class saves and against his old mates he's hoping for more of the same on Saturday night.

"It's always a strange feeling playing against a former club with past teammates you've been close with, but it all changes once you get on the field," Moss said.

"We've got the best defence in the league at the moment and the boys in front of me have been doing really well. With the best defence coming up against one of the best attacks in the league it should be a great game."

Despite Victory's stuttering start to the season, Moss warned that their recent form and past record suggests they're just clicking through the gears as the campaign starts to heat up. The threats, he says, come from all over the park

"Melbourne always seem to start a bit slower but they're always going to be a team that's in there fighting when it comes to finals time. They're in some good form at the moment and they do look dangerous going forward," he said.

"They have a few players who pose a threat and you can't really focus just on one player in a side like Melbourne Victory. Guys like Carlos Hernandez, Robbie Kruse and Archie Thompson if he comes on. If you focus on one then one of the other is going to punish you, so we have to be disciplined as a team and get the job done.

"We really need the three points and it would create a bit of a gap. It's another tough game on the road that we're looking to get something out of and we're going down there to get a result."