Last-placed Central Coast Mariners welcome a red-hot Adelaide United to Gosford as they search for a Valentine’s Day upset.
Adelaide suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Shandong Luneng in their AFC Champions League playoff on Tuesday, but are still in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten run in the A-League. With 21 points secured from a possible 27, the Reds have launched themselves from the foot of the table into a fierce battle for the top four as the likes of Marcelo Carrusca and Craig Goodwin hit their stride.
The Mariners are still four points adrift of Wellington Phoenix in last place, but have been on a steady curve of improvement since the arrival of marquee signing Luis Garcia. Last week’s 4-0 loss to Brisbane Roar did take away some momentum from Tony Walmsley’s side, but the pre-match injury to Mitch Austin and Fabio Ferreira’s apparent knock nullified the yellow and navy’s attack.
Key Battle – Luis Garcia vs Marcelo Carrusca
Luis Garcia has only been at the Mariners since the turn of the year, but already the former Liverpool star has bolstered the club’s profile off the pitch and added a clinical touch to an inexperienced attack.
After a succession of cameos from the bench, Garcia is set to make his starting debut for the Mariners, a situation that should pose a significant threat to the Adelaide defence. Garcia has been able to successfully link up with the likes of Fabio Ferreira and Mitch Austin in the second halves of matches, this combination play over a full hour of football could make the difference at Central Coast Stadium.
Adelaide’s key creative threat is the brilliant Marcelo Carrusca, with the Argentine providing the experience and guile to direct his side’s attacking plays. Carrusca has been a long-term asset to the A-League, unlocking defences with his exquisite left foot and the ability to find the right option at the right time. The likes of Cirio, Djite and Goodwin can do damage on the scoresheet, but only with the service from Carrusca.
Team News
Harry Ascroft’s send-off last week means Jacob Poscoliero and Jake McGing will start in central defence once again, but Tony Walmsley faces an unenviable selection choice in midfield. With marquee signings Luis Garcia set to make his first start for the club, one of Liam Rose or Mickey Neill will miss the cut in the centre of the park beside Nick Montgomery, with Neill a chance to earn a starting berth in defence ahead of Josh Rose.
Central Coast Mariners expected starting XI (4-3-3): Izzo; Roux, Poscoliero, McGing, Neill; L. Rose, Montgomery, Garcia; Ferreira, Bingham, Austin.
The Reds did play an intense match against Shandong Luneng on Tuesday evening, but given the long turnaround between matches and Amor’s decision to rest players in last weekend’s A-League clash there should be a full-strength Adelaide side taking to the field of play.
Adelaide United expected starting XI (4-3-3): Galekovic; Marrone, McGowan, La Rocca, Elrich; Isaias, Carrusca, Mauk; Cirio, Djite, Goodwin.
Head-to-head
Central Coast Mariners 16, Adelaide United 11, Drawn 6.
Previous Meeting
These clubs met in Adelaide four weeks ago, with the home side surging to victory with late goals from Pablo Sanchez and Mate Dugandzic. After a first half that saw both sides receive and miss a penalty kick, Craig Goodwin put Adelaide in front after 60 minutes, but Fabio Ferreira secured a shock equaliser for the Mariners before the Reds overran their opponents in the closing stages.
Prediction
Having Luis Garcia working with the dangerous duo of Austin and Ferreira could give the Mariners a chance of an upset against Adelaide, who could be struggling mentally and physically after this week’s elimination from the Asian Champions’ League.
Central Coast Mariners 2 Adelaide United 1
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