Preview: Brisbane Roar vs. Central Coast Mariners - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently third in the A-League but have the possibility of climbing into second with a win on Friday.

Match preview

Brisbane Roar have been in a difficult patch of form as of late after five games without a win, and that has left them 10th in the league table heading into this weekend.

Last weekend resulted in a 2-1 defeat against Adelaide United, despite the fact that Joe Knowles had got on the scoresheet to level things up in the first half.

However, the fact that they could not develop from that was not surprising because the Lions have struggled for goals, which made it even harder that they had one ruled out via VAR during the game.

No team in the division have scored fewer goals than Brisbane Roar this season, and the fact that they have only managed to find the back of the net 11 times is a concern for the team.

The Lions might have the home advantage heading into Friday's fixture, but that will not guarantee them any advantage due to the fact they have won just once throughout the season at the Dolphin Stadium.

However, the visitors might be much further up the league table but they have not been the most confident away from home throughout the season.

Central Coast Mariners have won just two games on the road this season, and their difficulties getting over the line in those types of matches were clear last weekend.

Despite Jason Cummings scoring a brace in their most recent game, the Yellow & Navy ended up coming away with nothing against Sydney FC as they fell short in a 3-2 finish.

That loss continued the recent form that Nick Montgomery's team have been dealing with lately as this marked their third consecutive match without a win.

Considering the fact that Central Coast Mariners are currently competing at the top end of the A-League, fans will be hoping that they quickly get their season back on track.

Brisbane Roar Australian A-League form:

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Central Coast Mariners Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Brisbane Roar were without Robbie Kruse last weekend as the 34-year-old was not match-fit yet, but it is believed that he should be up to speed for this week to feature in some capacity.

The club have also brought in further experience as Stefan Scepovic was brought in during the week, and he could end up being involved in the squad this Friday.

Cummings is someone who will be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup for the visitors due to his attacking performances throughout this season.

At the other end of the field Central Coast Mariners might look to hand a debut to new signing James McGarry, who recently joined the club until the end of this campaign.

That signing might have come at the perfect time considering Brian Kaltack's red card last weekend, meaning that the defender will be suspended on Friday.

Brisbane Roar possible starting lineup:

Holmes; Neville, Aldred, Chapman; Hingert, Courtney-Perkins, Zabala, Trewin; O'Shea; Kruse, Knowles

Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup:

Vukovic; Roux, Triantis, McGarry, Farrell; Nkololo, Nisbet, Steele, Kuol; Theoharous, Cummings

We say: Brisbane Roar 0-2 Central Coast Mariners

Brisbane Roar have been involved in a difficult period and that is something that is going to be tough to overcome this weekend against one of the strongest teams in the league.

The lack of goals that the hosts have scored this season will be a problem for them, and that should lead to Central Coast Mariners getting the victory.

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