But Golec is disappointed he won't be going head-to-head with the Socceroos star.

Melbourne City announced this week they had parted ways with Cahill, effectively immediately, as their former marquee player looks for more game time in the lead-up to next year's World Cup.

"You always want to play against the best," Golec said. "Timmy is probably the best Australian footballer. It's always good to go against the best and you want to challenge yourself.

"Tim's not going to be there, so that's a quality player that they're missing but, regardless, they've got other quality players that can fill in."

The Mariners have won their past two games and will trail third-placed City by just a point if they can conjure a victory on Sunday.

"It will be a tough game, but if we can take our chances and be solid at the back, we'll be able to close that gap on third," Golec said.

"Every week is a big game, but this one especially. We really want to set our mark in the competition."

Central Coast have one of the best defensive records in the A-League in recent weeks, having conceded just four goals in their past six games, and they are keen to extend that run against City.

"Everyone's working hard, the confidence is there," Golec said. "We've got a great system and we all suit that system."

Golec said City striker Ross McCormack was a major threat up front with his ability to score long-range goals.

"He's scored a few nice free-kicks, so we've just got to be careful with free-kicks around the box, don't give silly challenges," Golec said.

"He's probably one player that we're going to have to watch."

???Golec has played every game this season for the Mariners after returning to the A-League following a stint in Europe, including a season with Moldova champions Sheriff Tiraspol in the unrecognised Russian state of Transnistria.

"It's a different world over there," he said.

"There's a lot of tension between the breakaway state and the country itself, Moldova. It is the poorest country in Europe, so in regards to living, it's not easy. But at the same time, it makes you appreciate what we have here in Australia."

The Mariners are looking for their third win in a row after victories over Wellington and Perth, while City beat Newcastle 2-1 last week, breaking through for their first win since October.

Mariners young gun Danny De Silva is setting the A-League alight and has been mooted as a possible bolter for the Socceroos' World Cup squad. De Silva set up the Mariners' only goal against Perth last week with a stunning length-of-the-field assist for Blake Powell.

"We know City are a good team and they've got quality players," Golec said. "We've got quality players as well. It's going to be a tough game."