Midfield key for Mariners match says Farina
Frank Farina will hope a packed Roar midfield can nullify a physical Central Coast Mariners outfit when the team travels to Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night.
The Queensland Roar coach is toying with the idea of a 3-4-3 formation for the clash which would include Danny Tiatto, Charlie Miller, Matt McKay and Massimo Murdocca in the midfield.
“It-s an option for us,” Farina said at a press conference this morning. “We-ll be comfortable with that style of play, particularly in the midfield.
“That-s where the game-s either going to be won or lost and I think the more bodies we have in there, the better chance we-re going to have of getting on top.
“I think having Danny, Massimo, Matt and Charlie in the midfield area is a huge benefit because they play with three in there.
“At any given stage we-re always going to have a free man, whether that-s Charlie or Danny.”
Speedsters Michael Zullo and Tahj Minniecon are likely to flank Sergio van Dijk in attack, leaving three defenders.
Farina said it was important the team was able to adjust to different playing styles.
“We can do that, we can play 4-4-2 or we can play a 4-3-3,” he said. “There-s no reason why we can-t play with three at the back as well.”
The Mariners are currently in fourth place in the Hyundai A-League ladder, one point behind the Roar.
Farina was expecting the hosts to be at their usual fighting best, following a spate of late comebacks this season.
“They-ve been unbelievable this year,” he said. “Five or six games where they-ve come back from big deficits or scored in the last few minutes.
“They-re definitely a side that never gives up, never stop and I suppose that-s why they-ve been successful.
“We just hope that we can continue the form that we-ve shown away from home.
“We-d certainly love to get three points but we-d settle for one as well. It-s going to be really tight right up to the end.”
Andrew Packer will travel with the squad after shaking off a calf injury, while Charlie Miller will be closely monitored after his hernia forced him off last week.
“(Miller) will definitely start the game unless something drastic happens in the next 24-48 hours,” Farina said.
“Every week-s been difficult for him. Obviously we have to nurse him through the week and cut his work-rate down.”
Queensland Roar-s match against the Central Coast Mariners will kick off at the Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford on Saturday at 5pm AEST and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1.