Western Sydney vs. Central Coast Mariners

The Mariners' form became patchy since losing their high-profile regular season clash with the Wanderers in March, before recovering with a strong finish.
The Wanderers in contrast have won 12 of their last 13 matches.
Both sides pride themselves on resolute defence, a combative midfield and sharp counter-attacks, so the A-League decider could be a tense, tight affair that goes to extra time.
But questions remain over how much the Wanderers will miss suspended playmaker Youssouf Hersi as an injury cloud hovers over the club, while the Mariners enjoy a comparatively clean bill of health.
By now the Wanderers' run to the grand final in their debut season is already etched into Australian sporting folklore, but their feats are begging to be capped by a podium trophy presentation.
On the other hand, the Mariners seem perennially allergic to 'fairytale teams', having succumbed to the Brisbane Roar's miracle comeback in 2011, and lost their last league match against Western Sydney in the minor premiership showdown.
Central Coast will look to make it fourth time lucky after enduring three grand final defeats in 2006, 2008 and 2011, while the Wanderers seek a maiden grand final win in their inaugural A-League season.

WANDERERS SQUAD:

1. Ante Covic (gk), 2. Shannon Cole, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5. Michael Beauchamp, 6. Jerome Polenz, 7. Labinot Haliti, 8. Mateo Poljak, 9. Dino Kresinger, 10. Aaron Mooy, 11. Tarek Elrich, 13. Joey Gibbs, 14. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi, 15. Reece Caira, 16. Rocky Visconte, 19. Mark Bridge, 21. Shinji Ono, 23. Jason Trifiro, 24. Yianni Perkatis, 25. Josh Barresi, 30 Carlos Saliadarre (gk) *four to be omitted

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, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield (gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski, 29. Nick Fitzgerald *three to be omitted

Referee: Peter Green

THE NEXT STEP: an A-League Championship! For the Mariners, it will be at their fourth attempt. For the Wanderers, an historic first. There’s no rest for Central Coast, however. They jet off immediately on Monday for an AFC Champions League match in South Korea against Suwong Bluewings.  

TALE OF THE TAPE

What’s left to say? We’ve been through all the twists, turns and plot lines and ended up with the best two teams in the championship decider. 

Two moments of sublime brilliance were the difference for Tony Popovic’s side against Brisbane Roar on Friday night in another display full of typical energy and urgency. Over at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday, Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen stepped up to score the decisive goal against Melbourne Victory. The Mariners were far too good for Ange Postecoglou’s side. 

There’s been plenty of narrative about Mark Bridge’s injury – and the Wanderers will want the rejuvenated winger on the pitch on Sunday because he’s a lucky charm. In big games, he scores. He’s netted in grand finals for Newcastle and Sydney; he scored the Wanderers’ first ever goal and netted a double against the Jets when the Premiers’ Plate was on the line. When he’s scored this season – the Wanderers have not lost. 

But their other lucky charm, Youssouf Hersi, will be missing. The side haven’t lost when he’s played. 

The stubborn, organised nature of these teams come to life via stats. 

The Wanderers (21 goals) and Mariners (22) had the most frugal defences in the competition. 

Everything in this match points towards penalties. Western Sydney are the most dominant first-half team - leading 11 times, trailing just six times. But, you guessed it, the Mariners are second-half powerhouses.

They've scored 31 second-period goals, conceding just 11. Neither have lost when leading at half-time, either. 

Can the Mariners conjure the magic to stop Western Sydney extending their 13-match unbeaten streak?

Mark Bosnich loves to say that big game come down to big moments and big men. Shinji Ono showed that’s not just a cliché, with his spine-tingling goal last weekend.

Michael McGlinchey might not have grabbed the headline, but he was similarly mesmerising against Melbourne Victory.

The extraordinary tactical battle set to take place will look to nullify these types of players – but which defensive midfielder will shirk momentarily, or which of these two dynamos will get themselves into a pocket of space or between the lines to carve out the decisive opening? 

The Wanderers’ supply out to Kresinger, to hold the ball up, and their wide men, is crucial. Will the Mariners retreat, to avoid being caught like they were when Labinot Haliti slid home the winner in the battle for the Premiers’ Plate, or will they rather stop the supply? 

There's extra onus on Bridge to penetrate in Hersi's absence - could Arnold unleash his fullbacks, Josh Rose and Pedj Bojic forward, like he did against Melbourne Victory, to throw the gauntlet down to the Wanderers’ wide men as well? 

It's not a myth about the Wanderers being the best at winning a loose ball: they have the most intercepts and clearances in the competition. 

John Hutchinson and Oliver Bozanic - Nick Montgomery's replacement - have a big task. Despite being the worst team in the league at completing passes (76 per cent), the Wanderers manufacture the most shots, most shots from outside the box and shots on target. 

It will also be a fabulous contest between Daniel McBreen and Michael Beauchamp and Nikolai Topor-Stanley. The Mariners attack led the league in shots inside the box (9.3 per game) and balls into the penalty area (32.6).