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Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna feels the Mariners can put their previous home struggles against Queensland behind them when the two A-League sides meet in Gosford on Saturday.
The Mariners have never beaten the Roar at Bluetongue Stadium, and although McKinna is full of admiration for Frank Farina’s team, he felt his side should have prevailed when they last met in December.
“They’ve got great workrate and are similar to us in that they play at a high tempo and they also have a great midfield with (Massimo) Murdocca and (Matt) McKay,” McKinna said.
“The last time we played them was probably the best we have done against them, (Sergio) van Dijk scored a great free-kick and Danny Vukovic didn’t really have a save to make and we totally dominated the game.”
McKinna also believes retaining the minor premiership is an achievable aim given his side have to play leaders Melbourne and second-placed Adelaide in their last two games.
“If we win two of our last three then I think we can finish second but there would be nothing better than to beat Adelaide at home on the last day of the season and win the minor premiership again,” he said.
Roar boss Frank Farina said side was in a positive frame of mind ahead of Saturday’s clash despite last week’s defeat at Melbourne Victory.
Queensland sit in fourth-spot on the ladder, one place behind the Mariners with a game in hand, but Farina is confident his injury-hit side are good enough to stay on course for the finals.
“We are in the middle of a tough three games with the trip to Adelaide in the week,” said Farina.
“We have four games to go and we’re in the four.
“Other teams have only got three (games in hand), I think they’re very focused, they know what’s at stake and what the pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow.”
First-choice keeper Liam Reddy is out with a hamstring injury so Griffin McMaster will make his first A-League start of the season and Farina said he had no concerns about throwing the 25-year-old in.
“He did well for us last year when Liam broke his thumb and I would expect him to do so again,” Farina said.
“He will be a little bit nervous but he is well capable of playing at this level.”
The Roar will also be without Charlie Miller due to a hamstring injury, and combative midfielder Danny Tiatto is struggling with a stomach upset.
Farina is hopeful Tiatto will be fit and said Miller should be available for next Saturday’s clash with Sydney at Suncorp.
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