The patience of Melbourne Victory striker Ney Fabiano is likely to be rewarded with a potential starting berth for tonight's home clash against Central Coast Mariners.

Fabiano had been labelled 'super-sub' by coach Ernie Merrick earlier this week for his ability to come onto the pitch late in the game and score important goals but the up-and-down form of midfielder Carlos Hernandez may see the Brazilian start the Round 20 fixture.

"Carlos at home has played some outstanding football," coach Ernie Merrick said.

"(But) in very tough conditions, flying to places like Perth, 38C, with a big, strong, tough marker on him, it didn't really suit his game. Fabiano, out of the last five games, has come off the bench and four times scored a goal.

"Surely that's putting your hand up for a game. It might suit Fabiano because he's a big, strong lad up front and a handful. He's up for it."