'Mr Reliable' Thwaite has played in all 24 matches for United this season including both losses to Melbourne, firstly at Skilled Park in Round 8 when Kevin Muscat was allowed to retake a missed penalty and, secondly, in Round 16 when severely undermanned Gold Coast were pummelled 4-0 at Etihad Stadium.

"It's a massive game and, in my personal opinion, I don't care about any other game in the league as long as we beat Melbourne this Friday," said the 26-year old former Victory player.

With a keen knowledge of Ernie Merrick's side, Thwaite said he expected the blockbuster to be played in a similar fashion to the first entertaining encounter which showcased free-flowing attacking football from both sides.

"Last time we played at home it was counter-attack after counter-attack and end-to-end," he said.

"It's going to probably be the same thing because they really focus a lot on counter-attacking play and the quick transition from defence to attack.

"If we want to go physical, they can do the same thing."

Thwaite said the team spirit at Gold Coast was extremely strong, as shown by his own tussle last weekend with Central Coast Mariners hardman John Hutchinson after the Mariner laid a heavy tackle on Zenon Caravella.

"That's the culture we want to create at United - if one is going to go in, everyone is going to stick together," he said. "Obviously we don't like teams trying to rough us up, especially our little men.

"They love to play football and when tackles are flying in like that, it's up to the leadership group to get in there and stand up for each other."

From a defensive perspective, United assistant coach Paul Okon said that stopping Victory's forward line will be a high priority with the Archie Thompson-led attack netting 12-times in Melbourne's past three outings.

"Everyone knows Melbourne have a very good forward line and if you can stop them then it's half your battle - but it's easier said than done," the former Socceroos skipper said.

"We've been defending quite well as of late, certainly at home, so we're not really concerned about that.

"But we do know that if there is any lapse in concentration people like Archie Thompson and Carlos Hernandez, who are fantastic footballers, can punish. (We are looking for a) mistake free game, it will probably be a tactical battle.

He added: "Melbourne has a lot of mobile players and their system is very good.

"Everyone knows their job, they do it very well together and we have to make sure that we play together as a team. If we do that and defend well, we also have players in the final-third like Melbourne who can score goals."

A win on Friday night would see Gold Coast draw level with Victory on 44 points, though Melbourne have a superior goal difference.

Victory will concede top spot if they fail to get a result against United and second-placed Sydney FC defeat struggling Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.