THE Hyundai A-League’s leading goalscorer Daniel McBreen says he and his teammates are excited by the prospect of playing three big games in Gosford over the coming week, and are better positioned for AFC Champions League success in 2013 than they were in 2012.
THE Hyundai A-League-s leading goalscorer Daniel McBreen says he and his teammates are excited by the prospect of playing three big games in Gosford over the coming week, and are better positioned for AFC Champions League success in 2013 than they were in 2012.
With just two sleeps until Central Coast plays Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium, McBreen outlined that he believes the Graham Arnold mentored Mariners are currently the envy of every other A-League club, with significant matches coming thick and fast on home turf.
“We-re very positive,” McBreen said about the team-s forthcoming run of home fixtures. “We-ve got two big A-League games and the first ACL game so it-s a big week for us, and we-re very excited.”
“I think all teams in the A-League would like to be in our position where they are sitting top of the league and playing the second and third teams in a week, and an Asian Champions League game.”
McBreen-s excitement and belief in the Mariners- ability to prosper in three important matches in the space of seven days stems from lessons the side learnt in last year-s version of Asia-s premier club competition, as well as the yellow and navy-s dominant record at their bayside base.
Indeed, in nine matches at ‘Fortress Bluetongue- this term Arnold-s team have dropped only two points.
“Last year in our first couple of games (in the ACL) we weren-t too sure what to expect, but now we know what to expect and we can go out with confidence,” he said. “We know we can beat the teams and we can get the three points.”
Large crowds are anticipated for Hyundai A-League rounds 22 and 23 at Bluetongue Stadium, with ticket sales for the Saturday 2 March clash with Western Sydney Wanderers currently tracking well above the Club-s season best of 15,686 registered against Sydney FC in round 5.
Meanwhile, the arrival of K-League Classic club Suwon Bluewings will shine the international spotlight on the Mariners mid next week, with a potential viewing audience in its millions watching the game around the globe.
Evergreen marksman McBreen says he and his teammates ought to relish the big matches in which they participate, and hopes Central Coast-s supporters continue play the role of the team-s proverbial ‘12th man- as the campaign continues.
“Victory-s and Wanderers- supporters are great and they are going to come in numbers,” he said. “We need our supporters to do the same.”
“When we have a big crowd and play good football we can always hear them.”
“They are always loud and get behind us, so I hope they can be there in big numbers in the next two weeks to get behind us and give us the extra support we need to beat the two teams that are behind us.”
Central Coast Mariners Squad: 1. Mathew Ryan (Gk), 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 9. Bernie Ibini, 11. Oliver Bozanic, 13. Brent Griffiths, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Brad McDonald, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 17. Anthony Caceres, 18. Nick Montgomery, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield (Gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski, 29. Nick Fitzgerald (Five to be omitted)
In: 8. Adriano Pellegrino (returns from suspension), 11. Oliver Bozanic, 13. Brent Griffiths, 15. Brad McDonald, 17. Anthony Caceres (all promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 23. Adam Kwasnik (knee – season)
Melbourne Victory Squad: 1. Tando Velaphi (Gk), 3. Adama Traore, 5. Mark Milligan, 6. Leigh Broxham, 8. Jonathan Bru, 9. Marcos Flores, 11. Marco Rojas, 13. Diogo Ferreira, 14. Billy Celeski, 17. Jimmy Jeggo, 18. Francesco Stella, 21. Spase Dilevski, 22. Jesse Makarounas, 23. Adrian Leijer, 26. Andrew Nabbout, 31. Scott Galloway, 32. Connor Pain, 33. Daniel Mullen, 39. Nathan Coe (Gk) (Four to be omitted)
In: Adama Traore (returns from suspension), Spase Dilevski (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 7. Gui Finkler (knee) 24.Nick Ansell (groin), 10. Archie Thompson (hamstring)
Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Victory – Hyundai A-League Round 22
Saturday 23 February, 2013
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:45pm (local)
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! The official match hash-tag is #CCMvMV
Television: LIVE on Fox Sports 1 & 1HD
Radio: LIVE on Coast FM (96.3FM locally or streamed online at www.coastfm.org.au). LIVE on selected ABC frequencies and online.
2013 AFC Champions League Matchday 1 – Central Coast Mariners (AUS) vs. Suwon Bluewings (KOR)
Wednesday 27 February, 2013
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match!
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter. The official hash-tag is #CCMvSB
