Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets are playing purely for bragging rights in this season’s final F3 Derby.
In a match where both sides have essentially nothing to play for, only the Jets can change spots on the table, and that requires Wellington winning against the Wanderers – both coaches should throw caution to the wind and encourage their teams to produce an entertaining display for both sets of fans.
The Mariners will farewell marquee man Luis Garcia, who has not been offered an extension by the club after arriving on a short-term deal in January. The former Liverpool man has had his moments in Gosford, but unfortunately he has been unable to produce the goods on a consistent basis. Hopefully he can link up with the likes of Fabio Ferreira and Mitch Austin in a game-winning performance to make a memorable exit from Central Coast Stadium.
For the Jets, this fixture has been labelled by the Squadron – the club’s official supporter group – as a celebration of the Mariner’s first-ever wooden spoon. Five games without a win has seen a disappointing end to the season, after brief hopes of a late run into the finals, but a second straight win in Gosford would provide a perfect end to the campaign.
Key Battle – Roy O’Donovan vs Daniel Mullen
The Irishman has made a reasonable impact for the Mariners since returning from his eight week suspension, scoring three goals in his last three appearances, including a spectacular volley against Adelaide a fortnight ago. The 30-year-old may have a streak of ill-discipline, but his added edge is perhaps something that his teammates can look to in what should be a tough contest against their bitter rivals.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Central Coast Mariners – $3.00
Daniel Mullen will be the man tasked with keeping O’Donovan quiet with Boogard out suspended. The 26-year-old is reveling in the consistent football offered in Newcastle after struggling for playing time at Western Sydney, forming part of a defence that has conceded less goals than the likes of Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City and will no doubt be looking to finish the season with another clean sheet.
Team News
The Mariners will welcome back captain Nick Montgomery and goalkeeper Paul Izzo from injury and illness respectively. Izzo should slot straight back into the starting lineup, despite an assured performance from debutant Adam Pearce last week against Western Sydney Wanderers. Montgomery will surely partner Liam Rose at the base of the midfield, with Luis Garcia to play behind the striker in his last game for the yellow and navy.
Central Coast Mariners expected starting XI (4-3-3): Izzo; Poscoliero, Ascroft, McGing, Neill; Montgomery, L. Rose; Ferreira, Garcia, Austin; O’Donovan.
The Jets will be without suspended captain and former Mariner Nigel Boogard after his red card last weekend against Brisbane Roar, giving Ben Kantarovski a chance to start in the heart of defence alongside Daniel Mullen. There should not be any other changes from last week’s starting eleven that took the lead against Brisbane before going down to ten men.
Newcastle Jets expected starting XI (4-4-2): Birighitti; Hoffman, Mullen, Kantarovski, Cowburn; Ugarkovic, Poljak; Alivodic, Leonardo, Kitto; Nordstrand.
Head-to-head
Central Coast Mariners 13 Newcastle Jets 10, draws 14.
Previous Meeting
The Jets took out February’s F3 Derby thanks to a lone goal from Steven Ugarkovic, securing their first win in Gosford since 2008 in the process. It was a tight contest in the first half, but the Jets were able to take the lead in the 57th minute after Josh Rose’s failed to properly clear the ball, allowing Ugarkovic to slip through the defence and put the ball past Paul Izzo. The Mariners attempted to find an equaliser as the second half wound down, but a determined Jets outfit limited the home side to half chances and long shots long enough to secure the points.
Prediction
The Mariners will be hoping to produce a positive end to what has been an utterly dreadful season, but despite the home ground advantage and what is essentially a full-strength lineup the Jets should hold onto a point.
Central Coast Mariners 1 Newcastle Jets 1
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing are subject to change
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