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Central Coast's Arnold has embarrassment of striking riches

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold has a selection dilemma ahead of Sunday's A-League Grand Final against Brisbane Roar.

Arnold has three fit and in form strikers in the way of Matt Simon, Daniel McBreen and Adam Kwasnik for the season decider but it has not yet been decided who will start at Suncorp Stadium.

Simon has netted 11 goals this term whilst McBreen has five and although Kwasnik has hit the back of the net on nine occasions, including the 75th minute winner in the Preliminary Final against Gold Coast United last weekend, he is remaining calm about starting on the weekend.

"I've been in and out of the starting XI all year and have generally been coming off the bench and while I feel I've played my part there, I have no doubt 'Arnie' will make the right call,'' Kwasnik said.

''If he asks me to do the job up front, I'll give it everything. But if he goes for McBreen and Simon, then so be it. Whoever starts is very capable of doing the job. There will be no hard feelings.

''Matt was obviously unable to start in both of the last two matches but he's all systems go now. He's training the house down today and he can't wait to play in another grand final.''

And even though their attack is in good shape, Kwasnik said the game will be won or lost in midfield.

"I think our area where we can win is in the midfield. It's top shelf. Whether it be [Michael] McGlinchey, [Oliver] Bozanic, [John] Hutchinson, Mustafa, Patricio or Rostyn Griffiths, I think in every one of those players is a lot of class,'' he added.

''Taking away nothing from the likes of Matt McKay and Thomas Broich, but I think we've got the edge over them in the midfield. It's worked superbly all season and it's a big reason why we're in the grand final. I've got every confidence they'll fire again on Sunday.''

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Andrew Slevison
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Andrew Slevison

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