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The Central Coast Mariners will be looking to get their season back on track on Sunday when they take on a resurgent Melbourne City looking to stretch their four-match unbeaten streak at the picturesque Central Coast Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.00pm (AEDT).
The last time these two sides met at AAMI Park the Mariners snatched a 2-2 draw thanks to a late goal from club stalwart and captain John Hutchinson.
Since that dramatic finish in Round 5, the Mariners have only recorded five points from a possible 24 and with only one win in the first 13 rounds, the Mariners form has tested even the most faithful fans. Phil Moss’ side will need to put the continuing uncertainty surrounding the team’s future on the Central Coast aside as they search for their second win this season.
The Mariners’ squad depth has been tested this season and with loanee Malick Mane and new signing Richard Vernes both failing to find their feet in the physical competition, Phil Moss’ recruitment has come under fire. However with veteran Matt Simon showing the form that catapulted him into Socceroo contention six years ago and Anthony Caceres beginning to demonstrate his long considered quality, the outlook is looking slightly more positive for the Mariners faithful.
They’ll face a Melbourne City side that has taken 10 points from a possible 12 and are unbeaten in their last four games.
It may have taken 13 rounds but Melbourne City, who jet off for a 12-day camp in Abu Dhabi after the game against the Mariners, are beginning to show the promise they threatened to deliver at the start of the season – and without World Cup winner David Villa.
Their unbeaten streak has coincided with the debut of Slovenian marquee Robert Koren, who scored a hattrick in his first start for the club against the Jets, and a reinvigorated Damien Duff, who looks to be getting back to the form he showed in the opening few weeks of the season.
Add to this the distribution and creativity offered by Aaron Mooy in the midfield and it’s easy to see why City, along with Wellington are considered the league’s form sides.
Despite City’s brilliant attack, question marks remain about their defending, and the Mariners will look to exploit a back four that has yet to settle this season.
Can the Mariners back up just three days after a physically and mentally draining clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers or will Melbourne City continue their winning ways and heap more pain on a club that looks to be in crisis? Join The Roar at 5.00pm (AEDT) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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