Port Kembla have a crucial chance to press their claims for the Premier League's top five when they tackle the Rangers on Sunday.
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The Zebras sit seventh, just behind Bulli and Woonona, and will look to notch their third consecutive IPL victory at Memorial Park.
Standing in their way is Corrimal, also desperate, three points adrift of Port.
It shapes as important for both teams, but Zebras striker Jordan Nikolovski is confident his team can get the job done.
"For us, coming off back-to-back league wins, we're fairly confident. It's just building that confidence. We're trying to learn a bit more on how to win. We've had a fair few draws so far, so the goal is obviously to keep our streak going," Nikolovski said.
"People have spoken about form. For me, it doesn't faze me too much. I think the confidence aspect for both teams is crucial. Knowing Corrimal's coaches (Goran Trajceski and Chris Peros) - I had them last year at the White Eagles - I don't think it's going to be a game of skill. It will be a physical battle.
''The winner will be whoever is hungrier, whoever wants it more. But as long as we win all of our individual battles, it's there for the taking."
Nikolovski, a standout in his first year at Port Kembla, has every right to be confident.
The youngster, who arrived via stints with Wollongong Olympic, Wollongong Wolves and Albion Park White Eagles, has booted 11 goals in 2021 to be one behind Golden Boot leader Cameron Morgan.
Nikolovski previously spent more time in the midfield, but was encouraged by Zebras coach Stuart Beedie to move forward.
"I've been setting targets to stay consistent. I decided that if I can get one or two goals per game, it would put my team in a pretty good position," he said.
"It's not my natural area up there, I'm a natural midfielder. I've always played in the number eight role or the number 10. But I feel like I'm in the right spots attacking-wise. I feel more confident and good on the ball and once those first couple of goals went in, I thought I'd keep on going."
Nikolovski has enjoyed his first season in the black and white jersey.
"Stuart Beedie obviously has a lot of experience and I was excited to work under him. It's been good so far and everyone is looking after me at Port," he said.
"It's a great club and there's great people involved. For me to go there was one of my better decisions."
Round 10 of the IPL kicks off on Friday night with Cringila hosting South Coast United at Crehan Park.
Action continues Saturday with Bulli hosting Woonona at Balls Paddock; Rosellas tackle Coniston at Elizabeth Reserve; Wollongong United meet Albion Park at Macedonia Park, while the Blueys face Wollongong Olympic at Tarrawanna Oval.
The round will be completed on Sunday afternoon with the Rangers versus Zebras game, while Olympic will host the Sharks at PCYC in a catch-up game.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
