Gold Coast United will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they face Brisbane Roar this coming weekend.

The new A-League franchise kicked off their debut season brilliantly but have fallen back with the pack after two losses and two draws in their past four outings.

Midfielder Zenon Caravella, who is likely to return to the line-up against the Roar, says he is excited about helping United bounce back to form.

"I love to play with fire in the belly and that's what we need from all the boys against the Roar," said Caravella.

"We all need to stand up against them. We've taken a bit of criticism for recent performances. We need to take that and use it as motivation.

"We've got two of our best players missing and we have to rally around, do a bit more and rise to the occasion. We need to have that hunger and desperation in every game we play."

United will be without star striker Shane Smeltz who will be on international duty with New Zealand whilst Jason Culina will be in Sydney with the Socceroos.

Brisbane will be missing inspirational captain Craig Moore who will be with Culina with the national side for the friendly against Holland.