They may be separated by six points and three spots on the Hyundai A-League ladder but it’s arguably last-placed Central Coast Mariners who head into this F3 Derby in better form.
Mike Mulvey’s Mariners have picked up four points from their last two games, including the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar in Gosford.
It’s not just the results that should instil the Mariners players with confidence but their performances have also been strong over the last few weeks.
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They’ll head up the M1 in a buoyant mood and believing they can maintain the rage.
Meanwhile, the Jets’ last two outings have seen them pick up no points in narrow defeats to Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
While they are a massive 10 points off the top six, coach Ernie Merrick has no doubt the wins will flow once they can break the shackles.
They’ll need to improve their home form if that’s the case, with the Jets winning just one of their last seven games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
These two sides met exactly a month ago with the Jets coming from a goal down to win 2-1 at Central Coast Stadium.
Key Opta stats
- Newcastle Jets have won their last four Hyundai A-League games against Central Coast Mariners – the longest win streak of either side in the history of the F3 Derby – scoring 17 goals in the process.
- However, six of the last seven games between the Jets and Mariners at McDonald Jones Stadium have ended in a draw.
- The Mariners are winless in their last 17 away games in the Hyundai A-League (D4, L13) and have lost their last six on the road, conceding an average of three goals per game across that six-match span.
Ins and outs
Newcastle Jets squad: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimi PETRATOS, 8.Jair, 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 10.Ronald VARGAS, 11.Mitch AUSTIN, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 24.Joe CHAMPNESS, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 11.Mitch AUSTIN (promoted), 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI (return from suspension), 22.Lachlan JACKSON (promoted)
Outs: 3.Jason HOFFMAN (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI (groin– 2 weeks)
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5991314995001
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1.Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2.Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITS, 3.Jack CLISBY, 6.Tom HIARIEJ, 7.Andrew HOOLE, 8.Michael McGLINCHEY, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Adam PEARCE (gk), 13.Aiden O’NEILL, 15.Kye ROWLES, 16.Josh MACDONALD, 17.Peter KEKERIS, 18.Matt MILLAR, 22.Jacob MELLING, 23.Mario SHABOW, 25.Jordan MURRAY, 26.Josh NISBET, 27.Charles M’MOMBWA
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 16.Josh MACDONALD (promoted), 17.Peter KEKERIS (promoted), 26.Josh NISBET (promoted), 27.Charles M’MOMBWA (promoted)
Outs: 19.Matt SIMON (suspended – accumulation of yellow cards) & 4.Jake McGING (hamstring)
Unavailable: 21.Corey GAMEIRO (calf) & 10.Tommy OAR (leg injury)
How to watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 from 7:50pm AEDT or watch through the MyFootball Live App.
Tickets
CLICK HERE to secure your ticket at McDonald Jones Stadium as the Jets and Mariners battle it out in the F3 Derby.
