They came closer than anyone to ending Brisbane’s unbeaten run on Wednesday and now the Central Coast Mariners are looking to cash-in against their greatest rivals on Sunday.
While initially disappointed not to take maximum points after the midweek 3-3 draw against the Roar, Mariners skipper Alex Wilkinson said the performance against the A-League’s top team will give the team plenty of confidence heading into the Jets match at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
The Mariners showed real quality against the Roar and will need to rediscover that form against the desperate Jets.
Wilkinson is adamant his team is in good shape mentally and physically despite a tough draw in recent weeks.
Sunday will be the club’s third match in eight days and will be followed by a trek to Western Australia to take on Perth on Wednesday night before returning home to take on Sydney next Sunday.
“We know we can mix it with the best,” Wilkinson said.
“We can be proud of our performance and go into Sunday with confidence.”
“We’re in good shape.–
With such a heavy workload Mariners coach Graham Arnold is likely to make changes.
New recruit Michael Baird made his club debut off the bench against Wellington on Sunday and did not back up against Brisbane.
He could come into the squad, most likely on to the bench with Matt Simon and Adam Kwasnik both finding the back of the net against the Roar.
The Mariners are in third place, three points behind Adelaide but with two games in hand.
