Preview panel for week three of the A-League finals.
SATURDAY, April 14
Grand final qualifier
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v PERTH GLORY, Bluetongue Stadium, 5pm AEST
Head-to-head: Mariners 13 Glory 3 Drawn 5
This season:
March 11, 2012: Glory 1 bt Mariners 0 at nib Stadium
Dec 23, 2011: Mariners 3 bt Glory 1 at nib Stadium
Oct 29, 2011: Mariners 2 bt Glory 1 at Bluetongue Stadium
TAB Sportsbet: Mariners $2.10, draw $3.30, Glory $3.30
Minor premiers Central Coast will be desperate to get another crack at arch rivals Brisbane Roar in the grand final but an in-form Perth are threatening to spoil the party. While the Mariners have a strong record against the Glory, the westerners appear to have plenty in their favour. They’ve been keen to point out the pressure is all on the table-topping Mariners and confidence is soaring among Ian Ferguson’s squad after three straight wins. Both sides should be virtually full strength but the Mariners have had a much heavier schedule due to the Asian Champions League, though coach Graham Arnold insists he’d rather be playing than risk losing rhythm. Shane Smeltz wasn’t among the scorers in the Glory’s minor semi-final defeat of Wellington but remains the biggest threat with seven goals in three games. The Mariners’ hopes could rest on how young stars like Tom Rogic, Mustafa Amini and Bernie Ibini handle the pressure of the big occasion.
Key: Defence has been the key to the Mariners’ successful season but copping five goals in two games against the Roar shows they have some holes to plug against the Smeltz-led Glory.
Tip: Mariners
* Winner faces Brisbane Roar in A-League grand final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, April 22 at 4pm AEST.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Central Coast Mariners' star striker Angel Torres has been stood down from playing in the A-League Men after he was charged with sexual assault. …
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The Mariners must deal with possibly their toughest challenge yet - Kyrgyzstan’s FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the first leg of the semifinal.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
