ITALIAN superstar Alessandro Del Piero believes the pain of losing the Premiers' Plate to the Wanderers could be enough to drive the Mariners to grand final victory today.

Declaring the game almost too close to call, Del Piero said it was right that the two best teams were in the finale.

TACTICS

DEL Piero predicted a game where chances would be at a premium - the winner will be the side able to make the most of what little comes their way.

"For me, it's a very equal contest, it makes it very hard to predict what will happen," Del Piero said.

"In the first semi-final, maybe Brisbane had more opportunities than Western Sydney, but look what happened. Finals are difficult games for players, you know that something could happen you don't expect.

"Usually in Europe, when two teams reach a final, it's clear to everyone which has more quality. But because in one game there is so much motivation, so many thoughts go through your head, many small things can make the difference."

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MIND GAMES

DEL Piero picked out the rain-sodden night at Bluetongue Stadium, where the Wanderers won 1-0 and went top of the table, as the memory that the Mariners could draw upon.

"The last game between them in the regular season, where Wanderers won at Central Coast's ground, it was a really tough battle," he said.

"I watched it and the Mariners had more chances all through the game. Now what happens in the minds of the players - they want revenge.

"That's a powerful motivation and could be enough. For me, if I look at what happened in the league, yes they are the two best teams.

"But in one game anything can happen. Look what happened in Perth against Melbourne in the semi-final.

"Perth had the win in the hand but lost it."

media_camera GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 02: Michael McGlinchey of the Central Coast Mariners is surrounded by Western Sydney Wanderers players during the round 23 A-League match between the Central Coast Mariners and the Western Sydney Wanderers at Bluetongue Stadium on March 2, 2013 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

WILDCARD

DEL Piero suggested that in a game dominated by two defences, one moment of inspiration could decide it.

"I don't see a lot of weaknesses - though I hope next year they have a few weaknesses. What will be the difference between them?

"You know what they say in the NBA in the US. With the attack, you can sell the tickets and the show. With the defence you win the title.

"That's what's happened this year. Both have a good defence, though of very different kinds. Central Coast want to be playing the ball more, while man for man the Wanderers are stronger.

"For sure, the Wanderers put a lot of pressure on the ball, and have a lot of physical defence - that's their approach to the game.

"That's why they are strong, along with some very good players like Shinji Ono."

NEXT SEASON

DEL PIERO told of his delight at having helped to affect such a dramatic increase in the A-League's crowds and profile - though he admitted that Sydney FC have a major project on their hands.

"What happened this season for me has been fantastic," he said. "I played at a lot of full stadiums, Parramatta was sold out two times, we hit the record crowd at Allianz Stadium.

"It's what we need, because if you play in front of 20,000 or 30,000 people it's magnificent, it gives you a great sensation.

"We hope to do better next season, it's not easy because if you break every record, to do that again is pretty hard! But we'll try.

"About me, about Sydney FC, we have to improve a lot. What happened in the early part of last season made it just too hard."

Originally published as Flash of genius will win it