Sydney are undefeated this season, conceding only five goals and are now seven points clear from second on the table.

The inexperienced Mariners have conceded the joint most goals with Perth Glory this season with 28 shots evading the goalkeeper.

Okon placed emphasis on his team’s 2-2 draw to Melbourne City at home on New Year’s Eve which saw the traveling side snatch an equaliser in the last minute.

“If I said it’s just a normal game on Sunday I’d be lying. There is that little extra motivation and challenge for us,” Okon said.

“We’re coming off a good result, a disappointing result in some respects because we felt we could win and we set a challenge immediately before we celebrated New Year.

“That was to just try and get close to that performance and it’s against a team coming first so it’s a special game.

“Our second-half performance will give us confidence, I think the good thing is we’re disappointed that we didn’t win the game.”

Okon was also relieved after the return of youngster Storm Roux but it is estimated Jacques Faty will still be sidelined for another week with a hamstring injury.

The former Socceroo captain drew examples from Sydney’s depth in being able to replace players and said he wanted to have the same options available.

“At the moment I nearly have a full squad to choose from which is positive, it creates that competition,” he said.

“It means you’re going to have to leave out good players and your bench becomes stronger and that was the case on Saturday against City.

“It was our strongest bench for the season and I think everyone saw the impact Fab (Fabio Ferreira) and Connor Pain had coming off the bench.”