John van 't Schip's men led twice but were thrashed 5-2 by Melbourne Victory on Saturday night - as the situation surrounding guest player David Villa appeared to worsen.
Spanish striker Villa is leaving Melbourne for New York following City's hosting of Adelaide, and reports have suggested he will not return to the A-League - with all eyes to be on the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid man approaching the final whistle at AAMI Park.
Most recently, Josep Gombau's men easily accounted for Perth Glory 2-0, after drawing with Melbourne Victory and beating Brisbane Roar.
Glory's back-to-back wins to start the campaign were put paid to by Adelaide, although Perth boss Kenny Lowe will like the look of their head-to-head record against the Jets.
At Allianz Stadium, he will be opposing former assistant Phil Moss in the technical area, hoping to preserve Sydney's unbeaten start to the season - and inflict a second straight loss on the Mariners.
If last season's clashes between the two are anything to go by, there will be goals at AAMI Park.
