A-League – Match Preview – Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC

Tony Walmsley’s side started the new season with an impressive 3-2 win over Perth Glory, but subsequent defeats against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City have raised concerns over the club’s new attacking philosophy.

The Mariners were thoroughly outplayed by the Roar in round two and were put away by a more clinical Melbourne City, often finding themselves left undermanned in defence and vulnerable on the counter.

Sydney FC will enter the fixture in good spirits after a late victory in the Sydney derby thanks to new signing Milos Ninkovic. The result has moved the Sky Blues to the top of the table, but there is still clearly room for improvement. The Wanderers enjoyed the majority of chances, but a lack of quality finishing allowed Graham Arnold’s side to snatch the points.

Last season’s clashes had the added spice of being Graham Arnold’s first games against his former club, and although that particular enmity has softened, this game will mark the return of both Zac Anderson and Matt Simon to Central Coast Stadium for the very first time.