"We certainly want to go out there and prove something this week, things haven't been quite going our way," Smeltz said. "If we are on fire and we are fresh and play the game we know how to play then someone will pay the price, like we did against the (North Queensland) Fury.

"Everyone knows when we are at full strength and we play the style of game we play then we are very hard to stop.

"I have a lot of feeling for the club, but I'm going out there to do everything I can to get three points for Gold Coast."

Gold Coast should have Smeltz, Jason Culina, Joel Porter and Robson all starting against Phoenix. This will be the first time the quartet has lined up together since United's round one win against Brisbane Roar.

However, tightening the defence is the main objective for United coach Miron Bleiberg after his charges let in six goals in the last two matches.

"The main emphasis this week will be on the defence, we have conceded six goals in two games, which is un-heard of for a team on top of the ladder," Bleiberg said.

"The aim is not to concede, it doesn't matter if it is a penalty or with ten men, it is all excuses."

Bleiberg has high expectations and has issued a challenge to his team in terms of shut-outs.

The Gold Coast coach added: "It is un acceptable if you want to aim for something, we have to reach situations where we concede less than a goal per game.

"We are in a better position than any other team, so our fate is in our hands.

"If we do well, we will continue to be first if we continue to do not so well, at least we have the advantage."