Central Coast is pleased to be home after taking just a point from back-to-back away games but is up against travelling specialists Queensland Roar.
Date: Saturday December 6
Kick-off: 6pm local
Venue: Bluetongue Stadium
Coverage: Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1 and Sky Sport 3. Hyundai A-League club radio broadcast partner is Coast FM (Gosford) 96.3FM. To purchase tickets visit www.premier.ticketek.com.au
Head-to-head
Past 10 Hyundai A-League meetings: Central Coast – 2 wins, Queensland Roar – 3 wins, Draws – 5.
Previous meeting
Queensland Roar 2, Central Coast 4, Suncorp Stadium, Round 3, August 31 2008
Past Five Games
Central Coast:
Round 9: Central Coast 1, Newcastle Jets 0, Bluetongue Stadium
Round 10: Sydney FC 3, Central Coast 3, Sydney Football Stadium
Round 11: Central Coast 3, Adelaide United 0, Bluetongue Stadium
Round 12: Melbourne 2, Central Coast 1, Telstra Dome
Round 13: Perth Glory 2, Central Coast 2, Members Equity Stadium
Queensland Roar:
Round 9: Wellington Phoenix 0, Queensland Roar 1, Westpac Stadium
Round 10: Newcastle Jets 1, Queensland Roar 2, EnergyAustralia Stadium
Round 11: Queensland Roar 0, Melbourne Victory 1, Suncorp Stadium
Round 12: Queensland Roar 4, Perth Glory 1, Suncorp Stadium
Round 13: Sydney FC 1, Queensland Roar 1, Sydney Football Stadium
Analysis
Central Coast is pleased to be home after taking just a point from back-to-back away games but is up against travelling specialists Queensland Roar.
The Mariners were beaten 2-1 by the Victory in Round 12 while last Sunday they were lucky to escape with a draw against Perth Glory.
With all this in mind it’s going to be a tough evening for the home side down at Bluetongue Stadium.
Adding to their concerns is the suspension of defender Nigel Boogaard although they’ll be hoping the inclusions of Pedj Bojic (back from suspension), Andrew Clark and David D’Apuzzo (National Youth League) will add some energy down back.
Mile Jedinak remains the probable match-winner for Central Coast after scoring another goal last week while Sasho Petrovski also showed his worth by coming off the bench to score the last-gasp equaliser against Perth.
But can they bring an end to the Roar’s unbeaten run on the road?
Queensland was disappointed it didn’t beat Sydney last weekend but is keen to return to the form that has seen them move up the ladder in the past month.
Its midfield of Danny Tiatto, Massimo Murdocca, Matt McKay and Charlie Miller is a dangerous combination and could prove too overwhelming for the opposition.
And its defensive line-up featuring Luke DeVere, Craig Moore and Josh McLoughan will also prove hard to pass.
The Roar’s main concern remains with Miller and his ability to play with his groin problem. The Scot has scored seven goals this season and will be missed if he spends most of the night on the bench.
Both teams can consolidate a place in the four but Queensland Roar are playing with more consistency and will take maximum points in this clash.
Central Coast Mariners Squad. 2. Andre GUMPRECHT, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Bradley PORTER, 6. David D’APUZZO, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Adrian CACERES, 11. Dylan MACALLISTER, 15. Andrew CLARK, 17. Matthew OSMAN, 18. Alex WILKINSON, 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Sasho PETROVSKI, 23. Mile JEDINAK, 26. Chris TADROSSE, 30. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk).
*two to be omitted.
In. 4. Pedj BOJIC (Returns from Suspension), 6. David D’APUZZO (Promoted), 15. Andrew CLARK (Promoted).
Out. 16. Nigel BOOGAARD (Suspended).
Queensland Roar Squad. 1.Liam REDDY (gk), 2.Andrew PACKER, 3.Luke DEVERE, 4.Craig MOORE (c), 5.Josh McCLOUGHAN, 7.Michael ZULLO, 8.Massimo MURDOCCA, 9.Sergio VAN DIJK, 10.Charlie MILLER, 12.Tahj MINNIECON, 13. Chris GROSSMAN, 14.Ben GRIFFIN, 15.Matthew McKAY, 17.Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Danny TIATTO, 20.Griffin McMASTER (gk), 23.Tim SMITS.
*one to be omitted.
In. 13. Chris GROSSMAN (promoted), 14. Ben GRIFFIN (promoted).
