The perennial bridesmaids to the capital clubs brides, the Mariners have been Grand Final losers to Newcastle, Sydney and now Brisbane.
Long cast as the plucky little club that could, nothing will suit Graham Arnold and his men more, than to once again resume the title of scrappy underdogs, despite coming closest to defeating a rampant Brisbane.
Last season, Arnold was queried as to why he preferred to set his team out in a 4-4-2 diamond. His answer, that he choose a diamond midfield because Central Coast lacked wingers but had plenty of strikers and central midfielders, was perceptive, insightful and straightfoward.
Central Coast will have benefited immensely from having one of the most stable off-seasons in the A-League. The only notable departure was of enigmatic Argentine Patricio Perez.
Luckily, the Mariners have groomed a straight replacement in Mustafa Amini, who is now on loan after being transferred to Bundesliga champions Borrusia Dortmund.
Arnold has also gone about strengthening his midfield, bringing in Hearfield, able to play as a holder, and Pellegrino, who could conceivably replace Amini once he departs for Germany.
The absence of wide forwards and wingers confirms Arnold will continue with his successful formula, using a 4-3-1-2 dependent on the fullbacks Rose and Bojic to provide width.
Rose has grown to become one of the foremost attacking threats in the A-League.
Last season, Ange Postecoglou and Graham Arnold locked horns no less than five times; a frequency matched by most title-contending sides over several years.
The Mariners have pushed the Roar to the brink at times, leading by two goals in the semi-final and Grand Final, only to fall at the final hurdle.
However, it’s hard to forecast how effective, continuing with their counteracting style will be, especially against a Brisbane side that they have never beaten.
Central Coast are, of course, able to call upon one of the best defensive units in Australia.
Matt Ryan, along with the experienced partnership of Zwaanswijk and Wilkinson, kept 14 clean sheets last season. Maintaining such a stellar record will be key to a successful season.
Danger Men:
The key players will, of course, be leftback Josh Rose, who registered seven goals and as many assists last season, and Mustafa Amini, who will be handed the role of playmaker.
Arnold will be able to call upon a trio of hardworking front-men in Simon, Kwasnik and McBreen, which should ensure that Central Coast will never suffer for lack of cutting edge up-front.
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