Central Coast Mariners open round nine of the A-League in Gosford. What are the big talking points heading into the match?
The importance of Fabio Ferreira to the Mariners
Since his move from Adelaide last season, Ferreira has been a breath of fresh air for the Mariners, adding a spark that had been long absent on the Central Coast. In his five appearances this season, the Portuguese midfielder has been directly involved in almost half of the Mariners’ nine goals and registered the second-highest shots. In his absence they struggled up front against the Victory and failed to score for the first time this campaign against the Wanderers. Out for another round, it will be interesting to see if his stint on the sidelines coincides with a trio of poor attacking performances from Central Coast.
City’s defence
Despite their inconsistencies across the field this season, it is Melbourne City’s defence that has been the biggest disappointment. After fielding many a frustrating back line last season, City went to the market, bringing in Socceroos Ivan Franjic and Michael Zullo as well as Danish veteran Thomas Sorensen. So far their efforts have proved futile, failing to register a single clean sheet – even in their dominant five-goal display against Perth last round. Although Zullo will be out for several weeks, captain Patrick Kisnorbo returns to the fray this weekend and John van‘t Schip will be hoping his leadership and the Mariners diminished attack will see his side survive 90 minutes without conceding.
Can City back up with another win?
City were outstanding against Perth, finally reaching their potential, as Aaron Mooy effortlessly pulled the strings in nearly every wave of attack. However, the side’s impressive 5-1 thumping came on home soil, against a Perth side lacking form and confidence. This weekend, City are back on the road, where they traditionally struggle, facing a Mariners outfit that, despite results, has challenged a host of clubs this season. Will City be able to build from their thrashing of Perth, or will inconsistencies continue to dictate their campaign?
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
