The Australian champions, however, will be wary of India’s Odisha FC, who have been in fine form both domestically and on the continental stage.
Mariners, making their AFC Cup debut, will be determined to maximise home ground advantage with next week’s return leg requiring a 9.000 kilometre journey.
Mark Jackson’s side won’t be lacking in confidence after having turned their domestic season around to be within touching distance of the top spot.
Odisha FC will be equally confident after a remarkable turnaround saw them bounce back from two defeats to notch four wins in the AFC Cup south zone.
Their unbeaten run was halted at 21 matches on Sunday, with Chennaiyin FC beating them in the Indian Super League but Odisha FC will be up for the challenge of facing the Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners FC (AUS) v Odisha FC (IND)
Venue: Central Coast Stadium (Gosford)
Kick-off: Thursday, 19:00 (UTC+11)