A-League Preview: Melbourne Victory - Central Coast Mariners

Since the A-league's inauguration in 2005, Melbourne Victory and the Central Coast Mariners have proven to be the two most consistent sides in Australia's premier football competition.

Tonight, these two teams go head-to-head in what could turn out to be an interesting affair given the stark differences between the playing styles of each of these sides.

The last time they faced off - on the opening day of the 2009/2010 A-league season, the Mariners defied to odds to run away 2-0 victors at the Victory's temporary fortress – Etihad stadium.

The fixture returns to same venue however this time around the News South Wales coastal club will meet a fine-tuned Victory side riding on a three-game winning streak with lethal attacking weapon Carlos Hernandez in blistering form.

With third place a distinct possibility, the Mariners will be eager to record a positive result after last week's meagre goalless stalemate with Adelaide United in Canberra.

FORM GUIDE

Melbourne Victory

Oct 3.  Melbourne Victory 2-1 Brisbane Roar
Oct 9.  Melbourne Victory 0-3 Sydney FC
Oct 18.  Newcastle Jets 1-3 Melbourne Victory
Oct 24.  Melbourne Victory 3-1 Adelaide United
Nov 1.  Perth Glory 1-2 Melbourne Victory

Central Coast Mariners

Oct 5.  Sydney FC 1-0 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 11.  Central Coast Mariners 1-1 North Queensland Fury
Oct 17.  Brisbane Roar 0-3 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 23.  Newcastle Jets 2-1 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 31.  Central Coast Mariners 0-0 Adelaide United

TEAM NEWS

Melbourne Victory

Coach Ernie Merrick will welcome the return of three key players - however the humble Merrick has asserted his desire to stick with the same line-up from the Perth Glory game as he looks to find continuity and stability within the side.

In: Evan Berger (return from injury), Robbie Kruse (return from injury), Surat Suhka (return from injury)     
Out: Nil

Possible Line-up: (4-2-3-1) Moss, Kemp, Vargas, Muscat, Leijer, Broxham, Brebner, Suksomkit, Hernandez, Dugandzic, Thompson

Central Coast Mariners

Lawrie McKinna will have to do without Welshmen Matthew Crowell after the midfielder picked up a second booking in last week's clash with the Reds.

In: Dylan MacAllister (promoted), Matthew Lewis (promoted), Andrew Clark (promoted)  
Out: Matthew Crowell (suspended – 1 week)

Possible Line-up: (4-4-2) Vukovic, Heffernen, Doig, Wilkinson, Boorgaard, Hutchison, McGlinchey, Bojic, Travis, Simon, Kwasnik

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Victory) – The youth-squad player is slowly creating a buzz amongst the Victory faithful after netting a brace against arch-rivals Adelaide United, which will remain a basis for comparison for some time. The former Melbourne Knights attacker's positional sense and clever movement could be the key to unlocking a solid Mariners back-line.

Matt Simon (Central Coast Mariners) – Holds the best chance of troubling the Melbourne Victory side after helping the Mariners sink their opponents on the opening match-day. The hit-men has four goals to his name so far this season and will be itching to etch on the scoreboard in successive meetings with Melbourne.

PREDICTION

Indeed, Melbourne has won only two matches played at home so far this season and despite Central Coast's ability to suck the life out of teams with their unsavoury brand of football, it is unlikely they will take anything more than a point away from Melbourne given the home side's effectiveness of late, largely thanks to an on-fire Carlos Hernandez.

Melbourne Victory 3-1 Central Coast Mariners

Daniel Phan, Goal.com

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