FTS A-League Round 1 Preview: Central Coast vs. Newcastle Jets

Season 10 begins with a game both sets of fans eagerly anticipate every season. Having the F3 derby as an opening round fixture adds that something extra, bragging rights from the outset.  Going off recent clashes Jets fans will be dreading the continuation of the Mariners dominance over the last few seasons, will season 2014/15 provide anything different?

The Mariners pre-season campaign has been a steady build up to the style manager Phil Moss wants to instil in his squad. After a couple of hit outs against NPL sides which saw the Mariners advance to the FFA Cup quarter finals and draws against A-League rivals Melbourne City and Newcastle, Moss seems happy with where his side are.  Results haven’t been perfect on the Coast, but supporters know the club is heading in the right direction.

Newcastle’s pre-season campaign has not been as smooth with an early exit from the FFA Cup against Perth and heavy losses to Sydney and Brisbane. Manager Phil Stubbins has taken over a squad who many say under achieved last season and with a few new additions to the squad fans will be hoping the fortunes of the Jets are turning.  Newcastle have had a few injury concerns in recent times, but seem to be getting key players match fit in time for the start of the season.

It has been nearly 2 years since the Jets have beaten the Mariners in a competitive match and after last season’s drubbings of 3-1 and 3-0 the Jets will be desperate for a result. Coupled with the arrival of former Mariner Marcos Flores who has a point to prove to Phil Moss, it adds a little spice to a fixture sadly lacking the hostility of the last few seasons.  This instalment of the F3 derby has all the ingredients for a great clash, let’s hope the 33rd edition delivers.

Eyes on

Mitchell Duke is the key. A goal early will lift the young mans confidence and when on his game he is one of the best for the Mariners. This is a vital year for the development of Duke, he needs goals and he needs them early.

Head to Head:

Played: 32 Central Coast: 12 Draws: 11 Newcastle: 9

Last Meeting:

Central Coast 3 defeated Newcastle 1 on 15/3/2014.  Newcastle were stunned by two Mariners goals in the first six minutes.

Central Coast (probable): Reddy, Roux, Bosnar, Anderson, Rose, Montgomery, Caceras, Hutchinson, Fitzgerald, Duke, Mane

Newcastle Jets (probable): Birighitti, Neville, Jaliens, Regan, Pepper, Carney, Flores, Neumann, Goodwin, Griffiths, Virgill

Absentees:

Central Coast: Brent Griffiths (Injury – Indefinite), Liam Rose (International Duty)

Newcastle: Ben Kantarovski (Knee 1-2 weeks), Adrian Madaschi (calf 1-2 weeks), Billy Celeski (groin 6-8 weeks), Josh Barresi (knee-season), Mitch Cooper (knee 6-8 weeks)

Prediction

Mariners 3-2

The opening game of the season should see yet another great F3 derby.  Central Coast should grab the three points at home, but will have to be wary of Marcos Flores.

FTS Fact

When these 2 teams have clashed in the month of October the games have been decided by a 1 goal margin with only the one draw in 6 meetings.

 

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