United's strong start to the season has hit a few bumps in the road in recent weeks with successive losses seeing them slip from first to third on the Coastal Premier League ladder.

Coach Nathan Wade expects a torrid encounter against the Wildcats despite their lowly position.

"They beat us last year so we can't take anything for granted," he said.

"They always lift when they play us so they will be hopeful of doing the same again and that could inspire them."

United were gallant in a 4-3 loss to Coffs City United last weekend and the coach is unconcerned about their recent form.

"We had a fairly good start to the year, but everyone has to play everyone for the first round and then you get a proper indication of where you're at," he said.

"We haven't played Boambee yet so we've got a couple of the harder teams at the end of the round.

"Even though we lost last week I was happy with the performance."

The Wildcats are no chance of making the playoffs and coach Ben Sedlen said avoiding the wooden spoon will be some motivation going into the second round.

"No-one wants to finish last,'' he said.

"If we can continue to play like we did last week we'll get some points.''

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