Expert
Central Coast Mariners look to extend their unbeaten run against an improving Melbourne Heart at Bluetongue Stadium tonight. Join us for live score and updates and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
After a relatively poor start to the season, including a 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Newcastle, the Mariners have hit their straps over the last four matches.
Three wins out of four including impressive away victories against Sydney FC and Wellington has propelled them up to second place.
Melbourne Heart has endured a much tougher start to the campaign, but they have shown in the past two matches why they should be in the mix come finals time.
Heart have their injury problems, but what was distinctive about their victory against Gold Coast last week was the fight and determination they exhibited.
Matt Thompson has been leading the way in terms of effort and his link-up play between defence and attack has been solid.
The performance of in-form players such as Fred, Marrone and Dugandzic will be crucial if they are to grab a result.
The Mariners meanwhile are pretty much at full strength and a return to the starting 11 for Mustafa Amini beckons.
Whether Arnold is willing to change a winning formula is another matter though, with the majority of his side clicking together and showing glimpses of last year’s form.
It will be a tough game for the Heart and with a small playing roster it could be too much to ask for the team to get all three points.
Can the Heart make history and go six games unbeaten? Or will the Mariners make the title race interesting with a home win? Join us for live scores at 5.30pm AEDT, and give us your opinion on the match below.