Fourth hosts first in a very intriguing A-League battle on Sunday.
The Mariners gave up a very late goal against F3 derby rivals Newcastle Jets who managed to force a draw on Wednesday night - the result denying the Central Coast the chance to take third place.
But they got that result despite being outplayed by the Jets, indicating they are prepared to grind out matches (even though it was they who conceded late) under Graham Arnold who has put together a solid playing list.
However, they have to take on a Brisbane Roar outfit who once again hit their straps when defeating the Perth Glory 3-2 during the week.
The scoreboard flattered the Glory as it was the Roar who made all the running and should have probably scored four or five.
But it doesn't matter how determined you are when meeting a team like the Roar who can move the ball with such silken class and find avenues to goal with ease. The Mariners will need to produce something special to take down Ange Postecoglou's men but I don't see that happening as the Brisbane juggernaut is set to roll on.
Verdict: Roar 2-1
Central Coast Mariners vs. Brisbane RoarDate: Sunday, 28 November 2010 Venue: Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford Local kick-off: 4:00pm Referee: Ryan Shepheard Head-to-Head: All matches (played 18): Central Coast Mariners wins 3, Brisbane Roar wins 9 (6 draws) Match facts: - Having scored in their previous nine home matches, the Central Coast Mariners are aiming to create a new club record for scoring in most consecutive home matches (ten). - Having remained undefeated in their previous 13 matches, Brisbane Roar are aiming to create a new record for the Hyundai A-League all-time longest undefeated streak which they currently share with Adelaide United (13).
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 3. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 96.3 Coast FM (Gosford). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Central Coast Mariners squad: 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 16. Trent SAINSBURY, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 22. Mustafa AMINI, 23. Adam KWASNIK, 30. Paul HENDERSON (gk) *two to be omitted* In: Nik MRDJA (promoted), Rostyn GRIFFITHS (promoted) Out: Nil Unavailable: Pedj BOJIC (hamstring - 3 weeks), Patricio PEREZ (hip - indefinite), Brad PORTER (knee - 9 weeks), Jess VANSTRATTAN (knee - season)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK *two to be omitted* In: Rocky VISCONTE (promoted), Luke BRATTAN (promoted) Out: Nil Unavailable: HENRIQUE (broken arm - indefinite), Shane STEFANUTTO (hamstring 4-6 weeks)