Like the palm trees on the Central Coast kit, Melbourne City have been on the receiving end of criticism following their derby defeat and FFA Cup exit in a tough week.
John van ‘t Schip has come under pressure lately, accused of “disrespecting” the FFA Cup by putting out a youthful line-up.
However, every youngster that has featured this season – in place of the injured cohort of Franjic, Novillo, Zullo, Gameiro – has performed well, with Dekker, Mauk and Millar all scoring their first senior goals in 2015.
Rather, it’s been the more experienced heads – Kisnorbo, Paartalu, Koren – put on notice this season in a start that has yielded one point from a possible six so far.
“Just looking at the past games, I was not really happy (with Kisnorbo),” van ’t Schip said.
“So as a coach you can keep on going or you just have to try something different.
The club has the chance to make amends against the Gosford outfit in their first home fixture of the season.
Central Coast fielded an inexperienced backline of their own in the first two weeks, containing the likes of Neill, McGing, Poscoleiro, Roux and Ascroft, and it’s set to get even younger with Reddy dropped for Izzo between the sticks, with the 34-year-old suspended indefinitely after repeated disciplinary breaches.
The may clash may also mark the Melbourne return of former Heidelberg United striker Dan Heffernan, who came off the bench in Central Coast’s defeat against Brisbane Roar last week.
Key Battles:
Bruno Fornaroli vs. Jake McGing
He was first panned as a low profile journeyman signing below City Football Group’s standards, but after a few promising displays, Fornaroli is now drawing comparisons to Berisha as a striker who will fulfil his potential in the A-League. His goals in the FFA Cup and A-League have shown he can become one of the most formidable forwards in the league, and may be licking his lips as the prospect of facing Central Coast’s youthful backline.
Fabio Ferreira vs. Ben Garuccio
With Clisby and Zullo not listed in the squad, it’s likely Garuccio will retain his spot in the City lineup. His opponent will probably then be Fabio Ferreira, whose speed and directness could cause headaches. Like in the derby, City still look most vulnerable at conceding goals from wide positions.
Expected Line-up:
Prediction:
An entertaining contest full of defensive errors. 3-2 City.