City have been one of the most-prodigious users of the January transfer window, rejuvenating their squad in previous years to gear up for the title race.

Last season Australia defender Alex Wilkinson was most effectively brought in to re-shape the club's defence.

Osama Malik, Anthony Caceres, Dean Bouzanis and Nick Fitzgerald followed, with Erik Paartalu, Stefan Mauk and marquee Robert Koren leaving the club.

But this year, Valkanis says there will be no major changes - or perhaps none at all - as they seek a maiden piece of A-League silverware.

Caretaker boss Valkanis dismissed the notion that full-time coach John van't Schip's departure had led to inertia around transfer activity.

In the Dutchman's absence, the entire football department is working on targets - just not for January.

"The list is something we always talk about every week," he said.

"We're always in discussions. We were in discussions, before JVS left, about next year as well. That's ongoing."

Asked directly whether the club had any January targets, Valkanis said 'at the moment, no'.

While previous seasons transfer activity might have been motivated by injuries, City have a clean bill of heath for Thursday's visit of Central Coast Mariners.

Only long-term absentees Steve Kuzmanovski and Corey Gameiro are missing, with Neil Kilkenny returning after suspension.

The Mariners will miss ex-Sydney FC duo Mickael Tavares (ankle) and Jacques Faty (hamstring) for at least another week.

Last week, City suffered a sucker punch to bottom club Adelaide United when Mark Ochieng struck a late winner at Coopers Stadium.

Given that win boosted United off the foot of the table, the fixture list has thrown up another meeting with the last-ranked side this week.

After that 2-1 loss, you can understand why Valkanis isn't taking the match-up lightly.

"The Mariners are a good A-League team. We can't disrespect them," he said.

"They play a good brand of football and have been unlucky not to get results this year.

"Central Coast will have their moments ... they'll play their attacking style."

The goal for City is still top two - a task made slightly easier by Melbourne Victory's surprise 3-0 loss on Tuesday night to Wellington Phoenix.

"As long as it's possible mathematically, why shouldn't we be aiming for that? There's a long way to go still," Valkanis said.

STATS THAT MATTER:

* City captain Bruno Fornaroli (11 goals) is one off the top of the goalscorers' list, with Central Coast striker Roy O'Donovan (7) not far away.

* The Mariners are winless in eight visits to AAMI Park, with their last victory coming in March 2014 against (then) Melbourne Heart.

* Paul Okon's side have suffered six losses in their past seven games - their only respite came with a 2-2 home draw on New Year's Eve with City.