With the end of the year fast approaching, the Central Coast Mariners find themselves in freefall towards their first ever wooden spoon in the A-League.
Tony Walmsley’s side has not secured victory since its round one success against Perth, and threw away its chance for a repeat result in Western Australia by collapsing to a 2-1 defeat in the second half after a brace to Nebojsa Marinkovic. The result further highlighted the lack of experience and quality in the Mariners squad, a situation that could be exacerbated if the rumours about January departures are true.
While the Mariners wilted during the second half in Perth, Brisbane rose to the occasion in Cairns. After falling behind against the Phoenix thanks to Roy Krishna, John Aloisi’s side showed better legs in the closing stanza to secure a 2-1 after Steven Lustica and Jamie Maclaren struck in the final 20 minutes.
The victory ended a three match winless run for the Roar, leaving them well-positioned in second place ahead of the Victory and City ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne Derby. However, with the Wanderers already four points clear at the top John Aloisi’s men cannot afford a slip-up if they are to challenge for the title.
Key Battle – Nick Montgomery vs Matt McKay
When these two sides met at Suncorp Stadium in round two it was Brandon Borello who did the damage on the scoresheet with two well taken goals, but Matt McKay was the key man in the middle of the park. With the Mariners furiously pressing all over the field, McKay used his impressive stamina to help his team mates contain the opposition and then exploit the spaces left behind in the Mariners defence.
The Mariners struggle to sustain their full-throttle style for a full match, conceding a total of five goals in the second halves of their last two matches. Much like Aaron Mooy did a fortnight ago, McKay can use his energy to take control of the match.
Walmsley’s side has a workhorse of its own in the form of veteran Englishman Nick Montgomery. The captain has taken his game to another level this season, truly encapsulating the role of a box-to-box midfielder in commanding style. However the 34-year-old may be feeling the effects of this non-stop style, coming off with 15 minutes to go against the Glory clutching his hamstring.
It is perhaps indicative of the current situation in the middle of the park for the Mariners, too often it is just Montgomery sprinting back to cover the defence. If Walmsley can organise his players to properly support his captain on the field, Montgomery has the tools of leadership required to lead the club out of their current form slump.
Team News
The Mariners will welcome back key man Fabio Ferreira from his hamstring injury, but the Portuguese winger will likely feature from the bench. Central midfielder Glenn Trifiro and youngster Jake Adelson are ruled out, but defenders Jake McGing and Jacob Poscoliero should return to the fold after being rested against the Glory.
Brisbane currently have a clean bill of health as regular starting goalkeeper Michael Theo returns to action in the National Youth League this weekend. Dimitri Petratos could find his place in the starting lineup under threat after coming off early against the Phoenix in place of Javier Hervas.
Head-to-Head
The Roar have a long history of dominance over the Mariners, notching up 21 wins, ten draws and seven losses in the A-League. That record improves even further at Central Coast Stadium, having only tasted defeat in Gosford twice in 18 appearances.
Previous Meeting
A goal from Brandon Borello in each half put the Roar in the driver’s seat and despite a late goal to substitute Josh Bingham, the Mariners did not threaten their opponents enough to secure a point. The Roar prevailed 2-1 in that match, played on 18 October.
Prediction
Although the Mariners have been stronger at home this season than on the road, it is difficult to see them securing a win here. The Roar have a playing style perfectly suited to playing around the high press of the Mariners and if any of their numerous attacking weapons fire, the points should be secured.
Central Coast Mariners 0 Brisbane Roar 2
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