Sydney, who hosted that opening game of the season at Allianz Stadium, were undermanned that night: since then the Sky Blues have grown under new boss Graham Arnold and are among a cluster of unbeaten clubs threatening to break away at the top of the A-League table.

Villa, who shone briefly like a comet for the Melbourne-based club during his brief loan spell, is, of course no more: his final appearance came in round four and he has returned to New York City, never more expected to be seen.

And while Sydney remain undefeated, City has managed to win only once, on its penultimate start in Brisbane.

John van 't Schip's side continues to play good football in patches, but struggle to seal the deal, something they are hoping will change against Sydney on Saturday evening at AAMI Park.

That cost them dearly last week when, 2-0 up at home against Central Coast, they conceded twice in the last 11 minutes, the first from a controversially placed free kick, the second from a last-gasp effort from the visitors.

Van 't Schip suggests that it wasn't a lack of concentration that brought his team undone but their nervous concerns about closing out the game. They tried too hard not to concede and ended up letting in two.

"We talked to them about keeping calm. Our percentage is not good on leading and then having a draw, or drawing and then losing. Its a lot in the mind, and that's something that needs training."

One of the few founding players still left on the City roster, midfielder Nick Kalmar, has been told he will not get a new deal and that he should look to find another club.

The lanky Kalmar, who played in Melbourne Heart's first ever game, has rarely figured this season and van 't Schip said on Friday his time at the club was up.

"We had talks with Nicky and have made it very clear to him that there is no future for him at the club. His contract is finishing and we are trying to see if we can help him to another club.

"In the end, it didn't work out for Nick. Hopefully he can find a new challenge in the coming weeks or the January break after four years at the club."

While one door closes for Kalmar, another opens for former Manchester United, Celtic and Republic of Ireland international Liam Miller.

Miller recently signed a one-game deal after quitting Brisbane Roar and has now been contracted as an injury replacement player (for Jonatan Germano) until the season breaks for the Asian Cup in January.