Miron Bleiberg, who welcomes Pantelidis back into the squad, has called on his troops to reproduce the dogged display that claimed the points against Sydney FC in round 14, as United prepare for the visit of the in-form Mariners.

The Mariners boast the A-League's meanest defence with just nine goals conceded this term and are unbeaten in their last four outings, a run of form that has seen them leap into third place on the ladder.

Fourth-placed United welcome back defensive duo Bas Van Den Brink and Kristian Rees from suspension, along with midfield enforcer Pantelidis and goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan, who is set to start his seventh game of the campaign after recovering from a thumb injury.

After being forced to field a severely depleted line-up in last week's loss to Melbourne, Bleiberg has more players to choose from for the Mariners' visit, but says they will all have to be focused and determined to take the points from Lawrie McKinna's side.

"Last weekend, due to injuries and suspensions, we only had five of the players who took to the field in round one of the competition, so it's nice to have more to select from this week," he said.

"We had a good discussion yesterday and the players know what they have to do against the Mariners. In our last home game against Sydney we showed great determination and it's that type of performance we are looking for against the Central Coast.

"If we combine the quality we know we have with a determined attitude, we know we can get the three points.

"But we will have to be on top of our game to get the result we want and everybody knows that. There are a few players coming back in this week which is a big help for us and we will put out the strongest team available to us.

"The Mariners are very effective; tough, organised and difficult to break down, which is illustrated by their defensive record this season. They are a good unit who are well drilled and understand each other. They adjust well to any situation and we have to do the same this week."

With Joel Porter sidelined with a knee injury and speedster Tahj Minniecon in doubt, former Melbourne Knights striker Andrew Barisic shapes as a possible replacement and will add a significant physical presence to the Gold Coast frontline if chosen to partner Shane Smeltz up front.

Returning midfield anchorman, Pantelidis, said the clash of the coasts would be a spectator's dream, with so much at stake for both clubs.

"It's three versus four (on the ladder) and we didn't have a great result against them last time so we want to pay them back this time around," Pantelidis said.

"Every game is important at this stage of the season, but all players look at the ladder and we can see the importance of this one to our aspirations and goals for the year.

"It's the type of league where there will be week to week inconsistencies, so we have to stay focused on our end-of-season aims and try to secure the points in big games like this.

"All the elements of a top game are there and we will need our fans to come out in force to get behind us."