The competition in the A-League just became more intense, after the Socceroo's win last night, with the players now competing for a spot in a World Cup-bound team. The round begins tonight with a clash between in-form Central Coast Mariners and struggling Adelaide United.

The Mariners will be motivated to continue their winning streak after beating, one of the top teams in the league so far this season, Sydney FC 2-0 last week, for their first win of the season.

Meanwhile, United who suffered their third- straight defeat last week against league leaders, Newcastle Jets, will be looking to turn their season around.

A draw is this fixture seems unlikely considering it has not happened in the last 21 games in which these two teams have played each other, not since August 2010.

United have history on their side, having won five out of the last seven fixtures, and after breaking their scoreless streak with a goal in last week's game, they will be looking to notch their second win of the season.

There is plenty to play for this week for both teams; with only one point separating them on the table; and the Australian players, in particular, will feel the need to put in an exceptional performance, after the Socceroo's win last night still clear in the minds.