Central Coast Mariners captain Oliver Bozanic will miss his side’s Elimination Final bout with Macarthur FC as the 2020/21 Finals Series gets underway on Saturday, June 12.
The Mariners skipper succumbed to injury in his side’s warmup before facing Western United in Matchweek 24. It’s a big miss for Alen Stajcic’s side coming against the Bulls, who welcome star striker Matt Derbyshire and midfield ace Beñat Etxebarria back as two of four inclusions for the Elimination Final at Central Coast Stadium.
The home side have the upper hand in the head-to-head battle this season, having won all three times the two sides met throughout Macarthur’s inaugural A-League season (2-0, 2-0, 2-1).
In Matchweek 2 the Mariners beat the Bulls thanks to a pair of goals from Jordan Smylie and Daniel De Silva before a Matchweek 11 contest produced the same scoreline, with Matt Simon and debutant Matthew Hatch scoring both goals.
Macarthur finally found a way through Central Coast in Matchweek 23, taking the lead through Markel Susaeta before Jack Clisby and De Silva took the Mariners to a comeback victory.
After reaching the Finals Series in the club’s first A-League campaign, the Bulls will feel they have nothing to lose coming into their Elimination Final bout with third-place finishers Central Coast. But after going six seasons without an appearance in the post-season, the home side will be eager to make up for lost time and continue their run to the Semi Finals.
READ: “It’s happening again” – Aloisi feels Finals Series buzz returning to Gosford
MORE: Confidence, belief, leadership, unity – Stajcic asks finals-bound Mariners to let best qualities shine
Match details
Central Coast Mariners v Macarthur FC
Saturday, June 12 2021
Venue: Central Coast Stadium
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEST
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, LIVE and FREE on Kayo Freebies!
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Ins and Outs
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 3. Lewis MILLER, 4.Joshua NISBET, 5.Stefan NIGRO, 6. Gianni STENSNESS, 10. Daniel DESILVA, 11.Jack CLISBY, 12. Marco UREÑA,14.Daniel BOUMAN, 15.Kye ROWLES, 19.Matt SIMON, 20.Adam PEARCE (gk), 22. Michal JANOTA, 23. Dan HALL, 25. Matt HATCH, 26.Jaden CASELLA, 29. Alou KUOL, 30. Jordan SMYLIE, 32. Max BALARD, 41. Jing REECE
In: 10. Daniel DESILVA (Return from Injury), 30. Jordan SMYLIE (Promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 8. Oliver BOZANIC (Leg – 1 week), 21. Ruon TONGYIK (International Duty)
Macarthur FC squad: 1.Adam FEDERICI (gk), 2.Jake McGING, 3.Antony GOLEC, 4.Benat ETXEBARRIA, 5.Mark MILLIGAN (c), 7.Ivan FRANJIC, 11.Tommy OAR, , 12.James MEREDITH, 14.Moudi NAJJAR, 15.Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16.Nick SUMAN (gk), 19.Michael RUHS, 21.Jake HOLLMAN, 22.Liam ROSE, 23.Walter SCOTT, 24.Charles M’MOMBWA, 27.Matt DERBYSHIRE, 29.Antonis MARTIS, 31.Lachlan ROSE, 33.Markel SUSAETA
**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Antony GOLEC (promoted), 4.Benat ETXEBARRIA (promoted), 23.Walter SCOTT (promoted), 27.Matt DERBYSHIRE (promoted)
Outs: 10.Loic PUYO (Suspension – 1 match) 17.Kyle CIMENTI (not selected)
Unavailable: 6.Aleksandar JOVANOVIC (calf – 1-2 weeks), 8.Denis GENREAU (National Team Selection)
