Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic won’t underestimate fatigued Central Coast Mariners outfit

Central Coast Mariners must defy a poor away record against Melbourne Victory if they are to win at AAMI Park on Sunday.

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic is expecting a Mariners side high on confidence. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic is wary of a Central Coast Mariners side set to be fuelled by “adrenaline and momentum” on Sunday at AAMI Park.

You couldn’t blame the Mariners for being tired, with their AFC Cup ASEAN zonal final against Macarthur FC on Thursday night at Campbelltown Stadium having needed extra-time to find a winner.

However, having won 3-2 after two hours of football, the Mariners will be high on belief on their return to A-League duties against the Victory.

“I expect them to come with great spirit and confidence from that result,” Popovic said.

“Adrenaline and momentum can help you get through that (tiredness).

“The mind’s a powerful tool, and they have a lot of confidence. They’re having a very good season, so we certainly wouldn’t underestimate them with or without Thursday’s game, and they’ll get the respect they deserve.”

Josh Nisbet and the Mariners will come to Melbourne high on belief. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

The Mariners will not only have to defy fatigue, but also a woeful away record against the Victory.

In 25 A-League visits to Victoria to meet the Victory since the competition’s inception in 2005, the Mariners have only won three times and lost on 15 occasions.

And of the 14 of those 25 games that have been played at AAMI Park, the Mariners have lost 12 and failed to win any.

“If they don’t have a good record here against Melbourne Victory, we need that to continue,” Popovic said.

“We’ve got to make it as difficult (as possible) for them on the field, and with the support that we get in the stands, together we can have a very good Sunday afternoon.”

Both sides are locked on 31 points from 18 matches, and have the same goal difference of 11, with the Mariners higher on the ladder in second position courtesy of them having won two more matches than the Victory.

Popovic’s men are aiming for back-to-back wins after beating cellar dwellers Western United 2-1 last Tuesday night at AAMI Park thanks to a late brace from French defender Damien Da Silva.

“Although we’re delighted with the win, we have to move on to the next challenge and the next opportunity to get three points,” Popovic said.

Mariners coach Mark Jackson said it would be “challenging” for his side to physically recover from 120 minutes of football on Thursday night.

“That balance of recovery, combined with preparation, is going to be vital,” Jackson said.

“Getting the players’ mindset ready to go and give a strong performance in Melbourne is our key.”

In Sunday’s other A-League match, Macarthur will hope to overcome the disappointment of their AFC Cup loss to the Mariners when they visit McDonald Jones Stadium to meet Newcastle.

Originally published as Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic won’t underestimate fatigued Central Coast Mariners outfit