Match Preview – Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners

Match Preview – Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners

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This game represents an opportunity for both teams to continue their run of early season form, with both clubs bursting out of the blocks last week to the surprise of the league. Central Coast Mariners put three goals past a newly assembled Perth Glory, while Brisbane surpassed all expectations by annihilating the Western Sydney Wanderers down in Sydney.

LISTEN: Central Coast Mariners boss Tony Walmsley on the Daily Football Show

Both John Aloisi and Tony Walmsley will be looking to add more self belief to their newly formed teams. With new signings across both squads fit and firing, this game is positioned to excite and allow for open and expansive gameplay. Previous fixtures have seen a raft of goals between the two teams and this one is expected to be no different.

Key Battle – Nick Montgomery v Matt McKay

The two midfield generals face off in one of the key match ups of the game. Both captains play in the heart of the team, beginning attacks and defending the backline. They look to provide inspiration for the players around them and show leadership across the field.

McKay returns from Socceroos duty, reinvigorated for the new season and happy to see the return of the A-League and an end to the off-season issues that have plagued his much loved club. Even though Brisbane’s team was impeccable throughout the matchday 1, the insertion of hardworking McKay, most likely in place of Dimitri Petratos, will add more energy and defensive clout to the midfield three.

Nick Montgomery has come along in leaps and bounds, which has seen him gain the captaincy full time and become the central cog of a revitalised club under Walmsley. Last week against the Glory, Montgomery showed poise and strength to command the midfield. This will be tested in every respect this week against a quick and skilful Brisbane outfit.

Team News

Both squads emerged from last week’s games without injuries. Match fitness will have improved dramatically as teams look to create a routine of winning early in the season. McKay is the only added player to squad, making the Brisbane team near full strength.

New signings for both squads looked strong and match fit. New strikers Roy O’Donovan and Jamie Maclaren were able to get on their teams scoresheets, while Brisbane’s Spanish midfielder, Corona, was exceptional in his debut. Mariners winger Fabio Ferreria escaped unscathed after the Glory game and will once again prove to be one of the main goal threats for a team with a new level of attacking force.

Brisbane Roar Expected XI (4-3-3): Theo, HIngert, North, Bowles, Brown, Corona, McKay, Lustica, Borrello, Broich, Maclaren

Central Coast Mariners Expected XI (4-3-3): Reddy, Roux, Poscoliero, McGing, Neil, Montgomery, Fitzgerald, Caceres, Austin, O’Donovan, Ferreria

Head-to-Head

Overall, the clubs have faced each other on 39 occasions and Brisbane have dominated the fixture, winning 21 times. There have been 11 draws and just seven wins for the Mariners. Every fixture between these two has an air of past grand finals, with both clubs being a part of A-League grand finals that will be remembered for years to come, and this game is shaping up to be an importantly early season marker.

Previous Meeting

Last season’s previous meeting between these two clubs resulted in one of Brisbane’s best performances of the season, with Steven Lustica bagging an impeccable hat-trick in a 6-1 demolition job on home soil.

Prediction

Both teams will be desperate for another three points, and a potential first place on the table come the end of matchday 2. With an energetic squad and the first home game of the season to look forward to, John Aloisi’s men should prove to be just too strong for the Mariners. Brisbane’s attackers, with the added pace and potency of MacLaren will be too much for the new Mariners backline, however, expect a close and entertaining encounter.

Brisbane Roar 3 Central Coast 2

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