The Asian Champions League has been a happy hunting ground for Melbourne Victory, but the A-League continues to be a source of frustration.
With just three points taken from a possible 15, Kevin Muscat’s side have drawn themselves scarily close to the dreaded seventh place as Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets continue their impressive New Year form. Last week’s Big Blue was certainly a missed opportunity to reinvigorate the Victory’s title defence, succumbing to a late goal against a ten-man Sydney FC to draw 1-1.
Kevin Muscat will demand no further slip-ups this weekend as his side travel to Gosford to face the Central Coast Mariners, who had their finals hopes firmly extinguished on Sunday with a 1-0 loss to local rivals Newcastle Jets. Coach Tony Walmsley believes that his side can still have a say in who is able to play finals this season with the proper attitude, but can the Englishman instil a winners’ confidence in a side that technically has nothing to play for?
Key Battle – Liam Rose vs Gui Finkler
Despite being just 18, the Mariners’ younger Rose has been one of his side’s most consistent players this season, thriving at the base of the midfield alongside captain Nick Montgomery. Already comfortable on the ball due to his experience at the AIS, Rose has added positional awareness and defensive steel to his arsenal this season among a disappointing season for the Mariners.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Central Coast Mariners – $5.20
Finkler’s future at the Victory has been questioned following his exclusion from Kevin Muscat’s Asian Champions League squad, but the Brazilian has typically enjoyed playing against the Mariners, taking full advantage of the club’s poor defence in recent seasons to form a nice collection of goals and assists in matches between these sides.
Team News
The Mariners have their squad bolstered by the return of three players from suspension, with centre back Jacob Poscoliero and winger Fabio Ferreira coming into the fold after a week out and striker Roy O’Donovan making his first appearance following an eight-week ban. Harry Ascroft turned in an impressive performance deputising for the injured Storm Roux at right back and should do the same again.
Central Coast Mariners expected starting XI (4-3-3): Izzo; Ascroft, Poscoliero, McGing, J. Rose, L. Rose, Montgomery, Garcia; Ferreira, O’Donovan, Austin.
Kosta Barbarousses will sit this weekend out after being slapped with a two-match ban, giving Connor Pain a chance to impress on the right flank. Having travelled to Japan midweek for the Asian Champions League veteran Mathieu Delpierre will likely receive a rest, with youngster Thomas Deng to partner Nick Ansell at the back.
Melbourne Victory expected starting XI (4-4-2): Vukovic; Geria, Ansell, Deng, Galloway, Broxham, Mahazi, Finkler; Pain, Berisha, Ben Khalfallah.
Head-to-head
Central Coast Mariners 9, Melbourne Victory 15, Drawn 9.
Previous Meeting
January’s clash between these two in Geelong was a clear game of two halves – the Mariners raced out to a three-goal lead at the break thanks to goals from Harry Ascroft, Josh Bingham and Mitch Austin, but an inspired Besart Berisha helped his side secure a point with a brace to accompany Archie Thompson’s strike.
Prediction
The Mariners are playing for pride at this point in the season and despite getting a point from the last meeting between these sides, they do not have enough about them to upset the Victory.
Central Coast Mariners 1 Melbourne Victory 2
*CrownBet odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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