Three key talking points – Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners

Three key talking points – Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners

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Perth have finally moved into the top six, but with Sydney and Newcastle only a few points behind, the Glory now face the challenge of staying there. 

Central Coast’s fear of travelling

One of the many problems this season for the Mariners is their inability to pick up points away from home. Since the start of last season, the Mariners have picked up a single win outside of Gosford; that came against the Wellington Phoenix in round 17 of this year. This campaign alone, the Mariners have conceded a whopping 26 goals on the road. While against the Glory in Western Australia, Central Coast has won five of 16 matches, with the most recent of those wins coming way back in February 2013, where they picked up a narrow 2-1 victory.

Perth’s move into finals contention

Perth continued their incredible form against Newcastle last week, as they picked up a crucial three points that saw them bump Sydney FC out of the top six. For the Glory the easy part is done – now Kenny Lowe’s men must survive the final few rounds with a target on their back from both the Sky Blues and Newcastle, leaving no room for error for the West Australians. While the sides below them on the ladder look for a slip-up, Lowe will likely have his men’s sights firmly set on those teams above them, and with Melbourne City as the only other top-six side they play for the remainder of the season it can’t be ruled out.

READ MORE: A-League – Match Preview – Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners

Where do the Mariners go from here?

With a new CEO and the announcement of a new style and approach, 2015-16 looked like the dawn of a new era for the Mariners. But the team has leaked 52 goals, an average of more than two a game, picked up the most red cards (seven) so far this season, and managed just three wins in 22 outings. While the shock signing of Liverpool legend Luis Garcia was certainly a coup for the team, and provided a much-needed boost to morale, it didn’t solve the Mariners fundamental issues – quality, youth and creativity. With only a few round remaining this season, it’s time the Central Coast start to re-build and look ahead to the 2016-17 season – starting with leadership and an out-right goal scorer.

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