Brisbane Roar Interim Head Coach Darren Davies says his side are well-prepared for the challenges that will be thrown their way at Central Coast Stadium on Friday night.
The Roar head to Gosford – a ground where they’re unbeaten since March 2013 – to face the Mariners after a strong week in training.
“We’ve had a good week on the training pitch, we reviewed last week’s game and then moved forward to this week,” Davies said.
The Roar have already faced the Mariners twice this season with both matches ending in 1-1 draws. Davies says his side are fully focused on picking up all three points in Friday’s match.
“We’ve analysed them, we’ve looked at both their strengths and weaknesses and we’ve prepared tactically in how we’re going to play against them,” Davies continued.
“We go into every game looking to win it, we’ll be doing everything that we can to pick a team to go out and win a game of football Friday evening.
“We’re really, really looking forward to going down there.”
The Roar will be bolstered by the return of a number of experienced heads, including Spaniard Alex Lopez, Dane Thomas Kristensen & defending Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Jamie Young following the completion of his two-game suspension
Young striker Charles Lokoli-Ngoy is also in contention to make his BRFC debut while 17-year-old defender Izaack Powell has also been promoted.
Young says he’s looking forward to returning to Hyundai A-League action.
“Spending a bit of time out of the game is difficult of course, so to come back and have the opportunity, I’m really raring to go,” Young said.
“We have to be up for it and give our best. I think the hard work is the basis and then we’ve got the quality in certain players who can win us the game.
“There’s definitely a challenge for us this weekend and we’ve got to be up for that game.”
Catch all the action from Central Coast Stadium live this Friday night on Fox Sports Ch 505.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2018/19 – Round 20: Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Friday, 22 February (6:50pm KO QLD time)
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 2.Dane INGHAM, 4.Daniel BOWLES, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 12.Ruon TONGYIK, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 16.Charles LOKOLI-NGOY, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 21.Jamie YOUNG, 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE, 36.Daniel LECK, 38.Izaack POWELL **two to be omitted**
Ins: 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN (returns from injury), 14 Alex LOPEZ (returns from suspension), 16.Charles LOKOLI-NGOY (promoted), 21.Jamie YOUNG (returns from suspension), 38.Izaack POWELL (promoted)
Outs: 18.Joe CALETTI (not selected), 31.Macklin FREKE (not selected), 35.Jay BARNETT (not selected)
Unavailable: 3.Luke DEVERE (knee),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13.Stefan MAUK (groin), 19.Jack HINGERT (knee), 24.Connor O’Toole (broken leg)
