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Hot City wary of Mariners in A-League game

3 minute read

Melbourne City have shot up the A-League table but will face their biggest yet when they host ladder-leading Central Coast at AAMI Park.

PATRICK KISNORBO assistant coach of Melbourne City.
PATRICK KISNORBO assistant coach of Melbourne City. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Melbourne City are gunning for a equal club-record fifth straight A-League victory when they host ladder-leaders Central Coast.

After a slow start to Patrick Kisnorbo's tenure as coach, City have found the form that saw them reach a grand final for the first time last season.

Midfield import Adrian Luna returns from a hamstring injury to ensure City will be at full strength for Monday night's blockbuster at AAMI Park.

After returning to the winners last with a 3-2 defeat of Sydney FC last month, City have since demolished Western Sydney (2-0), Melbourne Victory (6-0) and Macarthur FC (3-0) to close in on their record streak in 2014.

Golden boot winner Jamie Maclaren has been on fire and will present the Mariners' defence with problems.

But Central Coast's front-half is equally as dangerous with the Mariners shaping as a surprise title threat after years in the wilderness.

"(The Mariners are) a good team, well organised and have some threats," City coach Patrick Kisnorbo said.

"A lot of attacking threats and defensively they're OK but they're a good team and that's why they're on top of the ladder."

Veteran striker Matt Simon has been electric with six goals, as has teenage sensation Alou Kuol off the bench.

The Sudanese-born forward, who grew up in country Victoria, has booted six goals in late-game cameos during his debut season and will relish the opportunity to play in front of family and friends in Melbourne.

STATS THAT MATTER

* Already on a four-match win streak, Melbourne City will equal the club record - set in 2014 - if they defeat the Mariners.

* Golden boot Jamie Maclaren has dined out on the Central Coast defence with seven goals from his last three games against them.

* The Mariners' last seven games has yielded five wins, one draw and one defeat.

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