[Napoleon Solo]

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners

The final game in this first round, what should be a decent game between last seasons grand finalists.

Sydney come into this game having had a decent pre-season, despite missing many of their major players due to international duty. David Carney, Alex Brosque, Mark Milligan and Steve Corica return after being with the Australian national side for a significant period recently, while Dwight Yorke returns after an extended World Cup break and a groin injury. Alvin Ceccoli returns after suspension, while Sasho Petrovski is expected to continue upfront having scored 3 pre-season cup goals, as well as Australias winner against Kuwait.

Central Coast have showed during pre-season that they'll again be a team to be feared, having remaind unbeaten, only losing the final on a penalty shootout. However, the Mariners are missing four of their squad to injuries, 'keeper John Crawley, forward Nick Mrdja, and midfielders Nigel Boogaard and Matthew Osman. Paul O'Grady returns after suspension, with both forwards Tom Pondeljak and John Hutchinson returning after injuries. Hutchinson has played 20 minutes as a subsitute but is unlikely to start.

I was thinking of a bet on Sydney here, but the odds are a bit short, especially considering how tough the Mariners have been to beat. Even with their various injuries they've proved over the last few games that they can cope. No bet for me!