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The 2017-18 A-League season’s first nil-all draw was rightfully played out by teams who were bottom going into the match, the Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Brisbane Roar 0
Central Coast Mariners 0
Brisbane Roar play host to fellow cellar dwellers the Central Coast Mariners, as both teams come off last round draws, and try to break their duck with a first wins for season 2017/18. Join us live on The Roar at 5pm (AEDT).
Normally, the battle of the bottom two teams would not get spectator hearts started, but this early in the season, ladder positions can be deceiving, and so far, both these sides are marginally better than their table positions might suggest.
So what do Brisbane make of their round 4 performance? Do they come into this game with confidence, knowing that they fought back after going down 3-nil within 30 minutes? Or are they concerned, given they were 3-nil down after 30 minutes? Against Wellington, who were woeful against the Jets last night?
I think the former.
Brisbane are a work in progress, and carrying injuries. Yes, they are bottom of the table on goal difference, but they were unlucky not to get something against Newcastle, and to drop their bundle against Adelaide.
Central Coast meanwhile seem to be a much bigger work in progress than their northern opponents. A draw against a Melbourne team would normally give you confidence, but Melbourne at the moment are a team playing without confidence, and Besart Berisha. And taking the lead at home, but not being able to finish the job at home, is of concern.
Just ask Brisbane.
The story for Brisbane all year has been the same: play out the whole game. If they are able to do that, then they should be the more likely to be the ones to register a win. John Aloisi will again be outlining to his team the importance of focus and discipline. For Paul Okon, it appears that his is a team still coming to terms with that opening round loss to Newcastle. They appear to be playing for confidence, and a first road trip win outside of NSW since November last year may just be the tonic.
Prediction
Brisbane have won an astonishing 8 in a row against Central Coast, and are undefeated in their last 9. I can see that win streak continuing.
If John Aloisi can just harness that last fifty minutes against Wellington, and get a 90-minute performance, Brisbane should be able to get the 3 points. Matt McKay will be eager to notch up his 100th A-League win.
For the Mariners, they will be hoping for some strong production from the likes of Hoole, Asdrubal, and Brama, to get their own season started.
Brisbane 2-0
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