Mariners planning to attack against Sydney FC

Central Coast are set to continue their successful all-out attack approach in Saturday’s A-League derby against Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna sprung a surprise by playing three strikers in last week’s 1-0 win over Newcastle at Bluetongue Stadium.

The combination of Sasho Petrovski, Matt Simon and match-winner Dylan Macallister worked a treat and McKinna is leaning towards doing the same against Sydney.

“We’ll probably go the same way this week,” McKinna said today.

“The three guys did very well, worked hard together and when you’re fortunate enough to have three strikers doing so well, why not use them?”

The likely formation sets up a mouth-watering battle between the NSW rivals, with Sydney FC boasting renowned attackers John Aloisi, Mark Bridge and possibly Alex Brosque, who could return from a hamstring injury.

The match will be Aloisi’s first against his former club after he signed on as Sydney’s marquee player this season.

The Socceroos striker finally broke his goal drought when he scored in Sydney’s 2-0 over Melbourne last week and McKinna said his side was looking forward to facing their former teammate on Saturday.

“Our defence did well last week and I’m sure they’re looking forward to playing against John,” McKinna said, adding he was relieved Aloisi had broken his goal-scoring duck before facing the Mariners.

“He did a fantastic job for us and all along we’ve wished him all the best because he was a great professional and a great ambassador for the Mariners while he was here.”

The Mariners are again likely to be without defender Nigel Boogaard (concussion) and Andrew Clark (shoulder) but should welcome back star midfielder Mile Jedinak after he was ruled out of the Jets clash with a groin strain.

“We’re hopeful he’ll be back training in full tomorrow,” McKinna said of Jedinak.

“Boogaard’s trained all week but he’s still getting heavy so he’s still probably doubtful and Clarky’s not trained all week and he’s still a bit tender.

“I would think Jedinak (could return), maybe not the other two.

“That’s just my gut feeling at the moment but the boys will be given up until Friday.”

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