Coach Graham Arnold will use the opportunity to experiment with his squad and ensure as many players as possible receive crucial match time before the launch of their 2012/13 campaign in six weeks.

The Mariners ventured to Noumea to face the New Caledonian National Team in a two match series recently, coming away from the idyllic pacific island with a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 win against Alain Moizan’s men.

“We have been training hard and had a very good camp in New Caledonia,” Arnold said. “But nothing compares to actual match situations – it allows us to determine areas we need to work on with individuals and the team as a collective.”

“I will be rotating our squad throughout the match and looking to get as many minutes into the boys’ legs as possible.”

This week’s Cup clash was founded in memory of Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull’s late brother. Now in its third year the Mariners won the 2011  version 3-0 with Oliver Bozanic, Michael Baird and Michael McGlinchey etching their names on the scoresheet

While match is a good it out for both outfits it is first and foremost the celebration of Doug Turnbull’s life and his contribution to football in the Bankstown region and beyond.

He played a pivotal role in making football one of the most popular sports in Bankstown during his time with the Lions played against some of the greats of Australian football including Johnny Warren and Ray Richards.

“Doug became a big fan of the Central Coast Mariners when I got involved with the Club,” Peter Turnbull said.

“A few years ago when we were looking for pre-season games to play we thought it was a natural fit that the Mariners take on Bankstown on an annual basis.

“When Doug passed away we donated a Cup and decided that the match be played in his memory. We are convinced the Doug Turnbull Cup is something he would be very proud of.”

The match kicks off at 7.30pm (AEST) at Jensen Park, Sefton and you can follow the action on Twitter using #LionsvCCM.