The Central Coast Mariners host Adelaide United in Canberra this Sunday and Paul Okon has named his provisional 18-man-squad.
Last week the Yellow & Navy celebrated three points over Perth Glory and the age-old question is do you change a winning team? The biggest selection headache that confronts Okon is in the front third with Roy O’Donovan returning from suspension.
The Irish striker is far and beyond the side’s most prolific goal scorer of the season with eight goals to his name but young Josh Bingham stepped up in his absence to bag a goal of his own after being awarded his first start of the campaign.
Strategically the Mariners opted to use Fabio Ferreira as an attacking midfielder rather than a winger which allowed the Portuguese flyer to start alongside both Trent Buhagiar and Connor Pain. Where Ferreira will feature against his old club this Sunday is yet to be decided.
In the back four, the Mariners welcomed Jacob Poscoliero back to Hyundai A-League action for the first time since round two who was heralded by the supporters as one of the stand our performers, marshalling an otherwise youthful back four.
Jake McGing & Liam Rose have both been interchangeable between defence and midfield this season which is a great option for the Mariners to have at their disposal.
Central Coast Mariners Squad: 1.Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Scott GALLOWAY, 4.Jacob POSCOLIERO, 5.Harry ASCROFT, 6.Blake POWELL, 7.Fabio FERREIRA, 8.Nick MONTGOMERY (c), 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Trent BUHAGIAR, 13.Kwabena APPIAH, 14.Adam BERRY, 16.Liam ROSE, 17.Josh BINGHAM, 20.Paul IZZO (gk), 22.Jake McGING
***Two to be omitted***
Ins: 5.Harry ASCROFT (promoted), 9.Roy O’DONOVAN (return from suspension), 21.Michael NEILL (promoted)
Outs: 26.Steve WHYTE (not selected)
Unavailable: 10.Mickael TAVARES (ankle injury – indefinite), 19.Jacques FATY (hamstring – 1 week), 23.Jake ADELSON (ACL – indefinite)
Match Details
Hyundai A-League 2016/17 – Round 18
Sunday 5 February 2017
Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Tickets: CLICK HERE
kick-off: 5:00pm (AEDT)
Official hash-tags: #CCMvADL & #CCMFC
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 505
Radio Broadcast: 96.3 Coast FM & 92.5 ABC Central Coast
The Westfield W-League Semi-Final will be played before the Hyundai A-League action at GIO Stadium. Details are as follows:
Match Details
Westfield W-League Semi Final 2016/17
Sunday 5 February 2017
Canberra United vs. Melbourne City Women
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Tickets: CLICK HERE
kick-off: 2:00pm (AEDT)
Official hash-tags: #CBRvMCY
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 505
