The Central Coast Mariners are more than happy to wear the tag of David rather than Goliath before their FFA Cup final with Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
The Mariners head to AAMI Park with a point to prove after their Gosford home ground was snubbed as a host venue for the final despite qualifying for the decider way before the Victory.
Adding to their frustration has been Football Australia’s decision to rule out Central Coast recruit Jason Cummings from playing this weekend.
The Mariners asked for a concession but the FA refused to budge, meaning the Scottish-born striker will have to watch the game from the stands.
“It’s disappointing, it’s bad for football in general,” said Central Coast head coach Nick Montgomery, whose side can seal an Asian Champions League play-off spot with a win on Saturday.
“We’re used to it at the Mariners with decisions going against us. But we won’t whinge and moan about it.”
It’s a view echoed by captain Oliver Bozanic, who played for Victory when they last won the tournament in 2015.
He was eager to stress they would go into the Cup showpiece as underdogs.
“They (Victory) have four or five times our budget, they’re going in as favourites and have had a great start to the season,” he said.
“We’re here to do a job and are fully backing our team to go there and put in a great performance and to lift the trophy.”
Matty Simon remains sidelined with injury but Kye Rowles will be on deck after returning from Socceroos duty.
Victory will be pleased to assume the role of Goliath as under Tony Popovic they have started to rise from their slumber.
In a dozen games Popovic has taken last year’s wooden-spooners back to the top of the table and a cup final.
“This club has an expectation and is renowned for having success and always challenging for trophies and winning trophies,” he said.
“We have an opportunity, we want to take that opportunity.
“We want to get some more silverware and have an opportunity to get back in the Champions League as well.”
Rai Marchan (fractured cheekbone) remains unavailable but Popovic expects Jason Geria to return from concussion.
Central defender Roderick Miranda is touch-and-go after pulling up with tightness in the semi-final win over Wellington.
