Hyundai A-League preview: Roar v Mariners

It’s a top-two blockbuster in Brissie! Well, it is only Round 1 but both clubs sit atop the Hyundai A-League following impressive first-up wins.

MATCH DETAILS

Sunday, 18 October 2015

Brisbane Roar FC v Central Coast Mariners

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-Off: 4:00 PM (Local) (5:00 PM (AEDT))

Referee: Ben Williams

Assistant Referee 1: Ashley Beecham

Assistant Referee 2: Andrew Lindsay

Fourth Official: Alex King

TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 4.30pm (AEDT) and Sky Sport 4 (New Zealand)

Radio Broadcast: 612 ABC Brisbane & ABC Local Radio Qld, Grandstand Digital, Online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-league Live.

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #BRIvCCM

To purchase tickets visit www.aleague.com.au/tickets

Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Michael THEO (gk), 5.Corey BROWN, 6.Jerome POLENZ, 7.CORONA, 8.Steven LUSTICA, 9.Jamie MACLAREN, 13.Jade NORTH (c), 14.Daniel BOWLES, 15.James DONACHIE, 16.Devante CLUT, 17.Matt McKAY, 19.Jack HINGERT, 20.Shannon BRADY, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Thomas BROICH, 23.Dimitri PETRATOS, 28.Brandon BORRELLO, 32.George LAMBADARIDIS

**Two to be omitted**

Ins: 15.James DONACHIE (return from quad injury), 17.Matt McKAY (return from international duty)

Outs: nil

Unavailable: 3.Shane STEFANUTTO (calf – 4 weeks ), 10.HENRIQUE (knee – 2 months ), 11.Jean Carlos SOLORZANO (foot – 2 weeks), 33.Luke DE VERE (quad – 2 months)

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1.Paul IZZO (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Josh ROSE, 5.Harry ASCROFT, 6.Mitch AUSTIN, 7.Fabio FERREIRA, 8.Nick MONTGOMERY (c), 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 10.Anthony CACERES, 11.Nick FITZGERALD, 12.Liam REDDY (gk), 16.Liam ROSE 18.Glen TRIFIRO, 19.Josh BINGHAM, 20.Anthony KALIK, 21.Michael NEILL, 22.Jake McGING, 23.Eddy BOSNAR

**Two to be omitted**

Ins: 1.Paul IZZO (GK) (return from international duty), 3.Josh ROSE (return from injury), 16.Liam ROSE (return from international duty), 19.Josh BINGHAM (promoted)

Outs: 4.Jacob POSCOLIERO (hamstring – 1 week), 30.Adam PEARCE (not selected)

Unavailable: nil

BLUFFER’S GUIDE

These two sides were tipped by most pundits to struggle in Season 11. Roar in transition, with an inexperienced coach and off-field issues; Central Coast with a light-on squad and shortage of big-names.

But here they are reprising their infamous 2011 A-League Grand Final as top two in the league.

Also impressive are the new managers on show: Roar’s John Aloisi and for Mariners Tony Walmsley, both with a point to prove and both with a clear vision of how they want their teams to play.

This will be a fascinating test of where both teams are. And get to the stadium early, Roar are planning a huge photo with members and fans on the pitch. Should be quite a sight.

The game should be pretty eye-catching, too.

OPTA DATA

Brisbane has scored 11 goals in their last three Hyundai A-League encounters with the Mariners (W2 D1), including their 6-1 victory at the Suncorp last term.
The Mariners are currently on their worst ever away streak in the Hyundai A-League having lost their last five consecutive matches.
New Brisbane recruit Jamie MacLaren scored on his Hyundai A-League debut against Central Coast in November 2013 for Perth Glory and scored a brace on his Roar debut last week, to help them win 3-1.
Brisbane has lost six of their last seven games played on a Sunday in the Hyundai A-League.

ROUTE TO GOAL

For the visitors, two lightning quick wingers in Ferreira and Austin suggests Tony Walmsley could opt to contain and hit on the break.

Roy O’Donovan in the central striking role will again benefit from their excellent service in wide areas with Anthony Caceres again pulling the strings as the creative force in midfield.

As for Roar, more of the same please with Jamie Maclaren up front likely to be fed by Thomas Broich, Borrello, Petratos and the excellent Corona. This looks a potent combination.

Last week the game-plan worked perfectly away to Wanderers. What will be interesting is to see how Roar will set up at home.

WHO’S BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK?

Corona. The new Roar midfielder from Spain caught the eye with most commentators after a wonderfully assured performance at Wanderland in Round 1.

FORM LINES

Both sides go into this one with the morale boost of an opening win in Round 1. Roar winning 3-2 at Wanderers and Central Coast defeating Roar 3-2 in Gosford.

PREDICTION

Brisbane Roar 2 Central Coast 2