These sides head into this one in contrasting moods following midweek results that left Central Coast Mariners celebrating and Brisbane Roar licking their wounds.
For the first time in 11 months, the Mariners head into a Hyundai A-League encounter on the back of a win, following Wednesday night’s drought-breaking 2-1 triumph over Melbourne City.
Mike Mulvey’s men had been threatening to take all three points for a few games now and finally got the job done, thanks to goals from Connor Pain and skipper Matt Simon.
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While there was relief and joy in Gosford, it’s been a few days of soul-searching and kicking stones for Roar.
Tuesday night’s 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne Victory made it a club record nine games without a win.
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Roar certainly had their moments against Victory, especially in the first half, but the manner in which they capitulated after the break will be of some concern for interim boss Darren Davies.
These two met back in the opening round of the season, with the match at Suncorp Stadium ending in a 1-1.
Given how their seasons have unfolded since then, this one should be just as tight. As well as looking for back-to-back wins in front of their own fans, the Mariners have the added motivation of leapfrogging Roar off the bottom of the Hyundai A-League ladder with a win.
Key Opta stats
- Brisbane Roar are undefeated in their last 13 Hyundai A-League games against the Central Coast Mariners (W10, D3); their last defeat to the Roar came in April 2014, while they have won on their last five visits to Gosford.
- Roar (15.8) and Mariners (15.3) have conceded more fouls than any other teams so far this Hyundai A-League season.
- The Mariners (20) have conceded more goals than any other team in the second half of games this season, while Roar (14) have conceded more goals than any other team in the first half of games this season.
Ins and outs
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1.Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2.Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITS, 3.Jack CLISBY, 4.Jake McGING, 6.Tom HIARIEJ, 7.Andrew HOOLE, 8.Michael McGLINCHEY, 10.Tommy OAR, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Adam PEARCE (gk), 13.Aiden O’NEILL, 15.Kye ROWLES, 16.Josh MACDONALD, 18.Matt MILLAR, 19.Matt SIMON (c), 22.Jacob MELLING, 23.Mario SHABOW, 25.Jordan MURRAY **two to be omitted**
Ins: 15.Kye ROWLES (return from suspension), 16.Josh MACDONALD (promoted)
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 21.Corey GAMEIRO (calf)
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Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 2.Dane INGHAM, 3.Luke DEVERE, 4.Daniel BOWLES, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Adam TAGGART, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 18.Joe CALETTI, 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 33.HENRIQUE **two to be omitted**
Ins: 8.Jacob PEPPER (promoted), 15.Stefan NIGRO (promoted), 17.Matt MCKAY (promoted), 19.Jack HINGERT (returns from injury), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN (promoted)
Outs: 26.Nick D’AGOSTINO, 34.Aaron REARDON (not selected)
Unavailable: 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS (glute),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13.Stefan MAUK (groin)
How to watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch Sunday evening’s showdown. You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App.
Tickets
Secure your seat for this encounter here!
