So when the teams meet again on Sunday at Blacktown Sports Park, it's no surprise Arrarte is hopeful of an improved display from his first-up 3-0 loss.

"I think especially from a personal perspective it is going to be a good test to see how far we have come as a team," he said.

A dip in form has seen the Spartans concede the competition lead to their crosstown rivals Blacktown City.

Their decline has coincided with the Wolves going five matches unbeaten.

"We are going in full of confidence on the back of a few decent results," Arrarte said.

"The boys have been working hard, so we are looking forward to the challenge ahead."

The Wolves have had wins over finals contenders Sutherland Sharks and Rockdale City Suns and draws with top-five clubs Sydney Olympic and Bonnyrigg White Eagles since Arrarte took charge of the team at the end of April.

But the first-year coach is adamant they'll have to be at the top of their game again when they face the Spartans.

"We can't afford to have any concentration lapses," he said.

"We have to be in the game for the majority of the 90 minutes.

"They are a good team and they are able to capitalise on any opportunity. Hence why they have been at the top all through the year.

"They've scored late in games as well, so we need to make sure we are concentrating for the full 90 minutes."

The Wolves will be without Matt Bailey for the clash after he was injured last week, but goalkeeper Daniel Collison (appendicitis) is back in the selection frame after returning with the under-20s last week.