One of the fiercest one-on-one rivalries in the Hyundai A-League resumes at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Saturday night.
Central Coast Mariners striker Matt Simon and Melbourne skipper Kevin Muscat have had several memorable battles during the past three seasons.
Another epic battle is on the cards when the fourth-placed Mariners strive for a hat-trick of wins against the Victory this season.
Simon has netted in both of Central Coast’s wins against Melbourne this campaign and will be desperate to repeat the dose in front of his own fans at Gosford on Saturday night.
He said coming face to face with Muscat was always a ‘buzz’.
“I love playing against him,” said Simon, who is Central Coast’s leading scorer this season with six goals.
“He loves a battle and always plays it hard.”
“When you play against him you know from the first minute to the last you’re in a game, no matter what the score is.”
“He’ll do anything he can to win the game for Melbourne and I’ll be trying my best to make sure the Mariners win.”
Simon has huge respect for Muscat and said the key to success against the former Qantas Socceroo was not getting intimidated.
“He does try a few things on the field and talks a lot, but you’ve got to block that out and concentrate on your job,” Simon said.
“That’s all part of what makes him such a tough player.”
Simon will start up front on Saturday night but who he plays alongside is still in doubt.
Ahmad Elrich started at striker in last week’s loss to Gold Coast, but Adam Kwasnik and Nik Mrdja are also in contention for a starting berth.
