There are 26 points between them on the ladder but last-placed Gold Coast are quietly confident of pulling off the A-League upset of the season against Central Coast at Skilled Park on Friday night.
Some of their confidence is fuelled by the welcome return from injury of Dutch striker Maceo Rigters, whose fitness will be assessed on Friday morning.
The other factor is United’s good form in drawing both their previous two clashes with the in-form Mariners, who are unbeaten in 15 games, in Gosford.
The Gold Coast has been inundated by rain this week, bringing back memories of their big clash last December which was washed out 30 minutes into the game by a savage thunderstorm.
Rigters is pushing hard to play to help his club gather some points with nine rounds left.
“It doesn’t matter who were playing, we need to win and as one of the only experienced strikers who is fit, I want to play of course to help the team,” said Rigters after the players trained outdoors at Carrara for the first time this week after the soaking rain finally eased off.
“We know the Mariners are a good team and we will have to work hard for the result.
“But we’re at home and every team’s aim is to win their home games.”
Young guns Ben Halloran and James Brown, regarded a little unlucky to miss Olyroo squad selection on Wednesday, will be hungry to prove they should have been picked.
“Ben (Halloran) scored again last week and he’s a good player for the team. He’s so quick with the ball at his feet so he’s an important player for us.”
Colourful Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg just seemed happy to see his player out in the fresh air.
“The sun is out and it’s a beautiful Queensland day; a bit humid but it’s nice and hopefully will help us to get some points on Friday,” Bleiberg said.
“Being the first time we have been able to train outdoors this week we have had a lot to get through but the players are hungry to do their work and prepare well for Friday’s match.”
Despite receiving some record rainfall during the week which sparked concerns about the game going ahead, the Skilled Park pitch is in excellent order for play.
