After a tough loss against the Newcastle Jets last weekend, the Central Coast Mariners are back in action this Saturday as we face off against Sydney FC. With two games in only five days, the Mariners are keen to head into Christmas with some positive results.
Team News
Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery has named a similar squad to our round seven clash, with the inclusion of Brian Kaltak the most notable change. The Vanuatu international returns from suspension, replacing youngster Cameron Windust in the side.
Storm Roux is ready to go after not being named in the 18 man team last week, with Sasha Kuzevski and Dor Jok retaining their place in the 20 man squad. Kelechi John has not been named in the side.
Former England international Jack Rodwell is the notable omission for Sydney FC, being named as injured on their team list. Connor O’Toole has been promoted into Sydney’s squad, with Patrick Yazbek and Robert Mak returning from illness.
Recent Form
The Mariners were unfortunate not to pick up any points last weekend, going down 2-1 to the Newcastle Jets. Despite dominating much of the play for the second half and having a goal chalked off by VAR, the Jets were narrowly able to hold on.
That result sees us currently in eighth place with a game in hand, just a win outside of the top six.
Following two straight losses heading into the World Cup break, Sydney FC were able to bounce back last week with a 2-1 home win against Melbourne City.
They currently sit in fourth place with ten points, just three above the Mariners.
Previous Meetings
The battles between Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners have been hotly contested over past few seasons, with results regularly changing depending on the match.
Sydney was able to win two of the three games against the Mariners last season, including an extremely tight game in what would be our star striker Jason Cummings’ debut fixture.
We also came away with a 2-0 home victory early in the season, before suffering a disappointing loss in round 23.
There have been 50 A-League Men’s games played between the two sides, with the Mariners coming out victories in 14 of those. When played at Industree Group Stadium we have won a third of the 24 fixtures, with an extra six of those resulting in draws.
Squads
Central Coast squad: 2. Thomas AQUILINA, 3. Brian KALTAK, 4. Joshua NISBET, 6. Maximilien BALARD, 7. Samuel SILVERA, 9. Jason CUMMINGS, 11. Beni NKOLOLO, 13. Harrison STEELE, 14. Garang KUOL, 15. Storm ROUX, 18. Jacob FARRELL, 20. Daniel VUKOVIC (c) (gk), 21. Michael RUHS, 23. Daniel HALL, 24. Yaren SOZER (gk), 25. Nectarios TRIANTIS, Sasha KUZEVSKI, 29. Dor JOK, 90. Paul AYONGO, 98. MARCO TULIO
In: Brian KALTAK (return from suspension), 29. Dor JOK (promoted)
Out: Cameron WINDUST (not selected)
Unavailable: 10. Matheus MORESCHE (injured), 26. Bradley TAPP (injured)
Sydney FC squad: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 2. James DONACHIE, 5. Connor O’TOOLE, 8. Paulo RETRE, 9. Adam LE FONDRE, 10. Joe LOLLEY, 11. Robert MAK, 12. Pat WOOD, 16. Patrick YAZBEK, 17. Anthony CACERES, 18. Diego CABALLO, 19. Adrian SEGECIC, 20. Thomas HEWARD-BELLE (GK), 22. Max BURGESS, 23. Rhyan GRANT, 25. Jaiden KUCHARSKI, 26. Luke BRATTAN ©, 27. Adrian VLASTELICA, 28. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 29. Aaron GURD.
In: 5. Connor O’TOOLE (promoted), 11. Robert MAK (return from illness), 16. Patrick YAZBEK (return from illness).
Out: 6. Jack RODWELL (injured)
Unavailable: 4.Alex WILKINSON (c) (injured)
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC
Saturday, December 17th
Kick-off: 5:00pm AEDT
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+
