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FTS A-League Preview Round 15: Central Coast Mariners vs. Sydney FC

Central Coast Mariners host Sydney Fc in what is set to be a fiery round 15 A-league clash. Both sides will be keen to start part two of the season in a positive fashion after the Asian Cup break. Added to that an aggressive media campaign by the Mariners media team against former Mariners and now Sydney Fc boss Graham Arnold has lit the fuse coming into this game.

Improvement is the key coming into the second part of the season for the Central Coast Mariners. The Gosford based side went into the mid-season break with a confidence building 2-0 win over Melbourne City. However before this period the mariners had struggled big time, winning only one other fixture in round 1 against fellow strugglers the Newcastle Jets. So the break would’ve been very much welcome. Coming into this clash they will be boosted by the pair of Nick’s (Montgomery and Fitzgerald) re-signing for a further two seasons. The team will also be keen to show Graham Arnold what he is missing out on.

Everyone at Sydney Fc from staff to players we’re counting down the days to January.  Some key players getting injured meant the squad was light on talent going into the break and a lack of goals caused particular concern. However there is only so much you can do in 3 weeks and fingers crossed it turns out positively. The key additions of Jacques Faty and Mickaël Tavares gives Mr Arnold some much needed options in the squad. The arrival of Faty in particular should allow Ryall to move back to his preferred right back position. Added to this there are rumours of further signings and players on trial. Most vitally however will be the need for a positive start to this section of the season.

Eyes On: All eyes will be on Sydney Fc’s new recruits who happen to be cousins, Faty and Taveres. Interest will be high to see what they will add to the outfit and how quickly they can fit in to the squad.

Head to head: Played: 29. Central Coast Mariners: 11. Draws: 7. Sydney Fc: 11.

Last Meeting: 02/11/2014 at Allianz Stadium. Sydney Fc 2-0 Central Coast Mariners.

Form Guide: 

Central Coast Mariners: DLDDW (8th 12 points)

Sydney Fc: DLLDD (5th 19 points)

Possible Line-ups: 

Central Coast Mariners: Reddy; Bosnar, Poscoliero, Rose, Hutchinson, Anderson, Caceres, Vernes, Trifiro, Cernak, Duke.

Sydney Fc: Janjetovic; Ryall, Faty, Petkovic, Gersbach, Taveres, Dimitrijevic, Triantis, Brosque, Ibini, Janko.

Why Sydney Fc can win: By the time this fixture comes around, it will be three weeks since they drew with Newcastle in Wollongong. So hopefully in this time they will have practiced a lot especially when it comes to hitting the net. If it does improve they should have no problem getting on top of the struggling Mariners. That added with the latest recruits will have the faithful hopeful for this game.

Prediction:  In all honesty, all the stats point to this game being a draw. 1-1.

FTS Fact:

  • Sydney Fc have not won at Central Coast Stadium since 2008
  • Graham Arnold had a 52% winning record when he was in charge of Central Coast Mariners