Fabio Ferreira & Mickey Neill are confident that the Central Coast Mariners can end the unbeaten Hyundai A-League run of Adelaide United this Sunday at Central Coast Stadium.
‘The Reds’ make their way to Gosford with a tough task ahead of them after losing an AFC Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night whilst the Yellow & Navy’s starting XI is set to be bolstered by the inclusion of Luis Garcia.
The South Australian outfit haven’t lost in 10 Hyundai A-League matches. Mariners’ stars Mickey Neill and Fabio Ferreira are confident that they can bring a halt to their run of form.
“It will be good for us, obviously [Garcia’s] a very good player, with a lot of experience and great quality,” Ferreira said.
“Hopefully we can take advantage of that as well and I’m looking forward for him starting the game.
“I believe if everybody has got the mentality and confidence and head in the game and if we start the game like we have in a few games this season, we can actually win the game,” the Portuguese flyer added.
Ferreira refuses to let emotions get in the way of what he sees as any other match, despite facing his old club.
‘La Flecha’ hopes their exertions on Tuesday night could work in the Mariners’ favour.
“They are going to be more fatigued than us, we’ll take advantage of that and on Sunday…we’ll be fresher,” the 26-year-old said.
“I have a lot of respect for Adelaide…[but] I want to win the game, score goals or assist and take the three points.
“We just have to keep working hard and everyone has to be more confident and try to do the best they can.”
One player who has done that for the Mariners this season is youngster Mickey Neill.
The 21-year-old has played mostly at left-back in his professional career but has been pushed into a midfield role lately by Mariners coach Tony Walmsley.
“I have enjoyed it. I haven’t really played there since I was probably 14 or 15 so it’s a new thing for me but I have to pick it up quick if I want to do well at this level,” Neill said.
“I’ve got a bit of an engine and like to run a lot so I can see the dynamics there. It’s working hard in defence and giving a little attack as well.
“For us young players it’s just about developing and learning as much as we can off the older guys like Monty [skipper Nick Montgomery] and Luis [Garcia].”
Luis Garcia’s starting debut
Sunday February 14
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 3:00pm (AEDT)
TICKETS: CLICK HERE
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio Broadcast: 96.3 Coast FM
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #CCMvADL, #CCMFC & #GarciaIN
