The Central Coast Mariners will be aiming to put a horror 2015 behind them with a win against the Wellington Phoenix on New Year’s Eve.
Tony Walmsley’s side sit seven points adrift at the bottom of the table, and are fast approaching their record number of games without a win, having not tasted victory since round one against Perth Glory.
In addition to the Mariners’ dire situation in the league, news emerged this week that former coach Phil Moss had launched legal proceedings against the club for his dismissal last season. It continues a series of incidents over recent weeks that have put the club in a poor light, but perhaps a win over Phoenix can help kick-start a revival on and off the pitch.
The Phoenix, like the Mariners, suffered a heavy defeat on the weekend, conceding three goals against Adelaide United and having playmaker Albert Riera sent off. Having only secured a point from their last three matches, Ernie Merrick’s side will be looking to hold on to their place in the top six with a win.
Key Battle – Roy O’Donovan vs Vince Lia
O’Donovan was the Mariners’ saviour in the earlier meeting between these two clubs this season, heading home a 76th-minute equaliser to secure a point for his side. The Irishman has struggled to find the net in recent weeks, but with Ben Sigmund out injured the Phoenix defence is looking vulnerable to his full-throttle style of play.
Vince Lia stepped into Sigmund’s shoes against Adelaide and struggled to help contain the Reds as they put three goals away. However, Lia’s ability on the ball will no doubt help the Phoenix to play out of any high pressing the Mariners attempt.
Team News
18-year-old Tom Heward-Belle will make his starting debut for the club after coming off the bench against Sydney FC following Paul Izzo’s send-off. With the club’s finals hopes slipping away fast, Walmsley might be inclined to select his most aggressive lineup, handing Fabio Ferreira his first start since coming back from injury and using Nick Fitzgerald and Anthony Caceres as dual playmakers.
Central Coast Mariners expected starting XI (4-1-4-1): Heward-Belle; Roux, Poscoliero, Ascroft, J. Rose; Montgomery; Ferreira, Caceres, Fitzgerald, Austin; O’Donovan.
Ernie Merrick will do doubt be in for a selection dilemma of his own thanks to Albert Riera’s send-off. Vince Lia should continue to deputise in central defence due to Ben Sigmund’s injury, giving Matthew Ridenton a chance to start in the middle of the park. Tom Doyle should return to the starting side after missing the loss to Adelaide through suspension.
Wellington Phoenix expected starting XI (4-3-3): Moss; Muscat, Durante, Lia, Doyle; Rodriguez, Ridenton, Bonevacia; Appiah, Krishna, McGlinchey.
Head-to-head
Central Coast Mariners 11, Wellington Phoenix 8, Drawn 6.
Previous Meeting
These two sides played out a 1-1 draw at this venue in round five, with Roy O’Donovan scoring late on to cancel out Michael McGlinchey’s early goal for the Phoenix. After taking the lead inside ten minutes, the Nix faded badly in the second half and allowed a barrage of crosses and set pieces from their opponents, one of which was eventually put away with O’Donovan’s strong header at the near post.
Prediction
With the Phoenix starting lineup in disarray due to a combination of injury and suspension, the time is right for the Mariners to return to the winners circle.
Central Coast Mariners 2 Wellington Phoenix 1
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