The Phoenix have a loss and draw to their name, their last-start 1-1 result against Macarthur featuring a controversial send-off to midfielder Alex Rufer.

He'll be missing on Sunday against a Jets team that's suffered four straight defeats to begin the season.

The Phoenix have themselves lost four and drawn three of their last seven games across seasons, but Talay is eyeing back-to-back wins against the Jets and Central Coast next Sunday to "stay close to the pack".

"We've been in that situation last year and know how it is," Talay said of the Jets' losing streak.

"They'll have a bit of pressure on them to win the game, but nothing to lose."

The Jets, playing their third game in a week, could introduce Young Socceroos prospect Luka Prso.

The midfielder turned 20 this week, has recently completed quarantine and been named in the squad after finalising a loan between the Jets and Croatian side NK Osijek.

"It's always a tough opponent to play against when there's little to no expectation to win and they've got some experience so it'll still be a very difficult game," Talay said.

"If they played the way they do in the last 20 (minutes of games) they can hurt a lot of opposition; they're still a very threatening side that can hurt you.

"I don't enjoy having a (long) break between games; I'm happy we've got a run of games coming up."

Talay is confident he has the cattle to replace Rufe while Reno Piscopo (calf) isn't likely to feature until February 8 against Sydney.

He's asked his side to be more ruthless, but has seen enough from their two previous games to enter with confidence.

"I thought we played well against Macarthur for 62 minutes ... if we can be a little more clinical in front of goal it'll help us," he said.

"It's still early doors, but I think it's going to be a great race to the end."

Australian Associated Press