United drew 1-1 with Adelaide on Saturday night, while the Jets produced an outstanding performance to overcome Melbourne Victory 3-2 in stifling heat on Sunday, despite playing for almost an hour with just ten men.

With temperatures in excess of 30 degrees expected once again on Wednesday, along with the normal high humidity levels, the conditions are set to be energy-sapping at Skilled Park and Okon says United's extra day of rest may work in their favour.

"On paper it looks as though that might be a little bit of an advantage to us. In games like this small things can make a difference and we've had an extra day to recover, so hopefully that will work in our favour," he said.

"The Jets are the only team who have beaten us twice this season so that does add a little extra incentive for us, but more important is the chance to close the gap on Sydney and get above Melbourne if we can.

"The two games we lost to Newcastle were both away, but this one is at Skilled Park and that can make a big difference to us as our home form is pretty good.

"On Wednesday we are the only two teams playing so it's a great chance to get some points on the board, but I'm sure Newcastle will be thinking the same thing."

The match is Gold Coast's first midweek fixture and is their second match of a trio of games in just eight days.

With the run to the A-League Finals Series hotting up, Okon says there will be plenty of entertainment on offer between two sides who have genuine ambitions this term.

"This is the first time we've played a midweek game at Skilled Park and hopefully the people of the Gold Coast will see it as something they'll enjoy and come out in force to support the team," he said.

"It's certainly something different to do in the middle of the week and the match itself is such an important one for both clubs.

"They (Newcastle) have some good momentum, picked up a great result on Sunday and are in good form. However, we're going okay and haven't lost at home for a while, so with there being so much at stake for both teams it should be a cracker of a match.

"The Jets are a good footballing team; they knock the ball around and like to play a passing game. They've done really well this season and now they're on everybody's heels; not just our heels, but Sydney and Melbourne too.

"You'd have to say they're the in-form team of the competition and our boys are certainly aware of that. They're a well-balanced side and will be very difficult opponents, which will give us that extra bit of motivation to go out there and do well."

Dutch defender, Bas van den Brink shared the views of Okon, adding that keeping a clean sheet against the Jets for the first time was his side's aim on Wednesday evening.

"They will be a bit more tired than us after playing on Sunday in that heat and with ten men. We have to get the result we need and we believe we can do it, so it's up to us to make our advantage count," said van den Brink.

"We are keen to make up for the two games we lost down there and we know how important this game is to our season, so everyone is prepared for a good battle.

"Defensively, we are focused on keeping a clean sheet and if we can do that we have every chance because our attack is strong and we always believe we can get a goal or two."