Central Coast Mariners coach Tony Walmsley says his side will not be taking a backward step against reigning champions Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
The Mariners have not beaten the Victory in their last five clashes and are long odds to reverse that form on Thursday night.
But Walmsley says his side's late equaliser with 10 men last week against Newcastle has instilled huge confidence in the team.
โIt's been brilliant. Look at Storm Roux's energy and continual will, even down to 10 men, he was still breaking forward and still at full capacity trying to get back,โ Walmsley said.
โMitch Austin was the same, Roy o' Donovan didn't stop. You can see watching the boys the intent is great and the belief is growing every single session.
โTo say I fancy us against Victory would be a bit too bold, they are the best team in the comp by far and they are playing at home.
โBut there's a belief we can go and achieve something. We'll roll the dice and we'll be bold."
Walmsley acknowledged that striker Besart Berisha will be the key man to stop.
โThe best balance for us is to put experience at the back,โ Walmsley said.
โWe know Berisha is an absolute handful and we know Monty (captain Nick Montgomery) isn't going to have any shyness about getting stuck into him.
"I think this gives us the best chance to stifle their danger through the middle."
