CENTRAL Coast Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold says the yellow and navy remain focussed on the task at hand, finishing the final round of the regular Hyundai A-League season in fine fashion against Melbourne Heart at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday.
CENTRAL Coast Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold says the yellow and navy remain focussed on the task at hand, finishing the final round of the regular Hyundai A-League season in fine fashion against Melbourne Heart at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday.
The Mariners were denied a last round chance to claim back-to-back Hyundai A-League Premierships with Western Sydney Wanderers defeating Newcastle Jets 3-0 at Hunter Stadium overnight.
John Aloisi-s men had their Finals Series hopes dashed last Sunday following a 2-0 loss to Brisbane Roar. However, Arnold says Heart are a side that should not be underestimated.
“Johnny has a very strong squad, which are very dangerous. I think he-s been hurt in the summer transfer window by losing a couple of players in (Aziz) Behich especially, they were players he probably didn-t expect to lose when he built the squad at the start of the season. They have a lot of experience and are a very good side on their day, we will have to be at our best to get the job done,” he said.
The Mariners will welcome midfield maestro Michael McGlinchey and shot stopper Mathew Ryan back into the squad for Saturday-s encounter with Heart after their time away on international duty.
“It-s good for them to get away and for them to see some new faces and coaches. They come back a lot fresher, excited and with a lot of enthusiasm. It is good to have them back,” said Arnold.
Central Coast enjoy a dominant record over Melbourne, having secured six wins and one draw from eight appearances and have never tasted defeat against Heart at Bluetongue Stadium. However, Ryan says his team will have to be on their toes if they are to collect maximum points from the encounter.
“Obviously their season is over and they will already be preparing for next year, so they might bring in some new boys, who will all be raring to have a go. We will have to match their intensity and enthusiasm. Hopefully we can play the better football, get the result and lift the plate on Saturday,” he said.
Marauding right back Pedj Bojic is set to return for the hosts after succumbing to injury in the Round 24 clash with the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium.
“We have 20 fit players for the first time in quite a while which helps us ahead of the busy period that we have ahead. Pedj is back fit and ready to go, it-s just a decision whether I start him or bring him off the bench,” Arnold said.
The Round 27 contest will mark left back Joshua Rose-s 100th Hyundai A-League appearance should he feature for the yellow and navy.
“Rosey has been the most consistent player since I-ve been at the Club, the first year I was here he won the Mariners Medal. He-s a guy who thankfully never misses games through injury, he is a consistent performer for us and my belief is he is probably the best left full back in the country,” Arnold concluded.
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Mathew Ryan (Gk), 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson, 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 9. Bernie Ibini, 11. Oliver Bozanic, 13. Brent Griffiths, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Brad McDonald, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 17. Anthony Caceres, 18. Nick Montgomery, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield (Gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski, 29. Nick Fitzgerald (Five to be omitted)
Ins: 1. Matthew Ryan (Gk) (returns from international duty – Qantas Socceroos), 4. Pedj Bojic, 8. Adriano Pellegrino (both promoted), 14. Michael McGlinchey (returns from international duty – New Zealand All Whites), 15. Brad McDonald, 17. Anthony Caceres (both promoted)
Outs: 30. David Bradasevic (not selected)
Unavailable: 23. Adam Kwasnik (knee – season)
Melbourne Heart squad: 1. Clint Bolton, 4. Simon Colosimo, 6. Patrick Gerhardt, 8. Matt Thompson, 9. Dylan Macallister, 10. Josip Tadic, 11. Richard Garcia, 14. Golgol Mebrahtu, 15. David Williams, 16. Marcel Meeuwis, 17. Jason Hoffman, 18. David Vrankovic, 19. Ben Garuccio, 20. Andrew Redmayne, 21. Jamie Coyne, 22. Nick Kalmar, 24. Sam Mitchinson, 25. Jeremy Walker, 36. Eli Babalj (Four to be omitted)
Ins: 4. Simon Colosimo (returns from suspension), 6. Patrick Gerhardt (international duty), 19. Ben Garuccio, 22. Nick Kalmar
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 3. Cameron Edwards (ankle – season), 5. Fred (quad – season), 13. Jonatan Germano (hamstring – season), 23. Mate Dugandzic (broken foot – season)
Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Heart – 2012/13 Hyundai A-League Round 27
Saturday 30 March, 2013
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:30pm
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter. The official hashtags are #CCMvMH & #SuperheroSaturday
