Arnold puts pressure on Wanderers

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold believes all the pressure will be on Western Sydney in the A-League blockbuster at Gosford on Saturday.

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold believes all the pressure will be on Western Sydney in the A-League blockbuster at Gosford on Saturday.

While Arnold’s side has been in top spot since the early rounds of the season, the Wanderers are coming home with a wet sail and sit only one point behind the Mariners heading into one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in the competition’s history.

The contest has generated such interest that a rare sell out is a real prospect a Bluetongue Stadium.

Western Sydney have had a week to prepare while the home team is coming off a midweek scoreless draw against the Suwon Bluewings in Matchday 1 of the Asian Champions League.

Arnold believes the midweek game will work in Central Coast’s favour.

“Confidence is high (after Wednesday night),” Arnold said.

“We totally outplayed a quality team. For Saturday night the Champions League has been a great distraction.

“We are super fit and healthy.”

A key to the Mariners success this year has been the outstanding run of results at Gosford with the team unbeaten at home.

Skipper John Hutchinson was rested against the Bluewings and will return.

Central defender Patrick Zwaanswijk was also given the night off on Wednesday and is itching to return for the biggest game of the season so far.