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In what may prove to be the match of the round, Melbourne Victory and the Central Coast Mariners will go head-to-head in a top of the table clash in Launceston. We’ll have live scores and commetnary from 5.30pm AEDT.
Both have been tipped by some to be A-League title contenders and this may prove a sneak preview for what is ahead at the business end of season eight.
Last time these two met one of the best matches of the season was played out at Etihad Stadium with a 2-2 draw the result.
A brace from Danny McBreen for the Mariners, and goals from Marco Rojas and Andrew Nabbout fired the Victory to the draw. Expect another close one this time around.
The Mariners have made the headlines this week without even passing a ball, with Mat Ryan, Tomas Rogic and Bernie Ibini all the subject of transfer speculation. News Limited papers reported yesterday that John Hutchinson, McBreen and Oliver Bozanic may also be out the door this month.
The impact of that on the squad will be something to watch – how long can the Mariners afford to keep selling their best talent during the season?
Central Coast are coming off a 2-0 win away at Western Sydney, while Melbourne Victory are also coming off a 2-0 win at home to the Phoenix.
While Victory has the services of the form winger in the A-League in Rojas, the Mariners boast the competition’s leading scorer in McBreen.
How Victory’s defenders deal with the likes of McBreen, Mile Sterjovski and Bozanic will be decisive, while Pedj Bojic and Josh Rose will take on Rojas and Archie Thompson in another key battle.
While Central Coast will have to deal with the loss of Tomas Rogic to suspension and possibly to an overseas move, Patrick Zwaanswijk returns from injury and will replace the suspended Trent Sainsbury.
Youth product Anthony Caceres is promoted to the squad. Melbourne will travel with an 18-man squad, with Matt Foschini, Theo Markelis and Jimmy Jeggo all included.
The game will also take another dimension than most others would. With bushfires in Tasmania ravaging properties and lives in the state, Melbourne Victory will donate a portion of ticket sales to the Bushfire relief fund.
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