Central Coast Mariners will be looking to get their push for the A-League top two back on track when they host Brisbane Roar at the Industree Group Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts are fourth in the table, six points off second-placed Adelaide United, while the visitors are in 11th place, having picked up just 23 points from their 21 games up to this point.
Match preview
Central Coast are still within reach of the all-important top two, which would see them enter the playoffs at the semi-final stage, although they have not made it easy for themselves with some of their results in recent weeks.
The Yellow & Navy have won just one of their last five games, a 4-1 victory against Macarthur in their last match at the Industree Group Stadium, but they have been disappointing on the road, most recently losing 2-0 away at Melbourne Victory.
Defeat in their last match will be of particular concern to manager Nick Montgomery, as Melbourne Victory are bottom of the A-League table, and they were reduced to 10 men for the final 25 minutes, but Central Coast were still unable to create enough clear-cut chances.
Away form has been a real issue for the Mariners all season, picking up just 11 points in their 10 matches on the road, but they have been solid on home soil, remaining undefeated on their own patch in 2023.
Montgomery's side picked up a rare away victory in the reverse fixture against Saturday's opponents, with Marco Tulio and Beni Nkololo getting on the scoresheet, which should give them confidence heading into the game.
It has been another very disappointing season for Brisbane Roar so far, currently sitting just two points clear of 12th-placed Melbourne Victory, who also have a game in hand at their disposal.
The main problem for the Roar has been their ineffectiveness in front of goal, scoring just 19 goals in 21 games, the fewest of any side in the A-League, although they have managed to keep it tight defensively for the most part.
The Lions have conceded just 25 goals in the A-League, the joint-second fewest in the division, which indicates they could make a late push for the playoffs, if they can sort out their deficiencies in front of goal.
As it stands, Nick Green's side are still only four points off the top six, which means that a late charge is not beyond the realm of possibility, but they would have to be almost flawless in their remaining games.
Interim manager Green has made a solid start, winning two of his four games in charge, most recently defeating Western United 1-0 at the Kayo Stadium, with Jay O'Shea striking late.
Team News
Central Coast winger Nkololo is back available for selection, having now served his two-game ban after receiving a red card against Western Sydney Wanderers, and he could replace Christian Theoharous in the starting lineup.
The Mariners' main attacking threat this season has been Jason Cummings, with the 27-year-old scoring 14 league goals, the second-highest amount in the division, and he is likely to partner Tulio in attack.
As for Brisbane Roar, Green is unlikely to make too many changes to the team that secured victory last time out, with O'Shea certain to keep his place in central midfield, having scored in each of his last three matches.
Stefan Scepovic has not been as prolific in front of goal, with the striker still without a goal in five games for the Roar, so it would not be a surprise to see Nikola Mileusnic accompany Jez Lofthouse in attack.
Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup:
Vukovic; Roux, Windust, Hall, McGarry; Nkololo, Balard, Steele, Silvera; Cummings, Tulio
Brisbane Roar possible starting lineup:
Holmes; Trewin, Aldred, Courtney-Perkins, Smith; Hore, O'Shea, Gomulka, Akbari; Mileusnic, Lofthouse
We say: Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar have made a decent start under Green, although both matches they have won came at the Kayo Stadium, losing the two matches they have played on their travels, against Macarthur and Melbourne City.
As such, we expect Central Coast to get their push for the top two back on track with a narrow victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
