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A-League Preview: North Queensland Fury - Central Coast Mariners

Mariners look to build on last week's big win as they take on Fowler's Fury...

Nov 21, 2009 6:24:43 AM

Robbie Fowler, Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury (Getty Images)

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Robbie Fowler, Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury (Getty Images)

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Saturday, 21 November, 09:00pm AEDT
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville
A-League, Round 15

Against all expectations set earlier in the season, North Queensland Fury have begun to show in recent times that they are not quite so out of their depth in the A-League.

Last week's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle Jets may have sent them back to the bottom of the table, but that result signalled the end of a five-game unbeaten run that included consecutive wins against Perth Glory and Gold Coast United.

Incredibly, the Townsville-based outfit find themselves within striking distance of the finals, with only five points separating them from fourth-placed Central Coast Mariners.

Now, rookie manager Ian Ferguson will be hoping his charges can demonstrate a bit of bouncebackability as they play host to a side looking to strengthen their title credentials.

The Mariners vaulted into the top four last week thanks to an impressive 4-0 triumph over Melbourne Victory at Docklands, so they head to the Dairy Farmers Stadium in high spirits.

TEAM NEWS

North Queensland Fury

In: Karl Dodd (return from injury), Robbie Middleby (return from injury), Fred Agius (promoted), Jack Hingert (promoted)

Out: James Robinson (injury)

Previous Line-up: McMaster, Packer, Malcolm, Moore, DeVere, Tiatto, McKay, Nichols, Van Dijk, Reinaldo

Central Coast Mariners

In: Michael McGlinchey (returns from international duty), Matthew Crowell (returns from suspension)

Out: Nil

Previous Line-up: Vukovic, Porter, Boogard, Wilkinson, Heffernan, Travis, Bojic, Hutchinson, Lewis, Simon, Kwansik

FORM GUIDE

North Queensland Fury

Oct 11. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 North Queensland Fury
Oct 17. North Queensland Fury 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
Oct 24. North Queensland Fury 2-1 Perth Glory
Oct 31. Gold Coast United 0-2 North Queensland Fury
Nov 8. Newcastle Jets 2-0 North Queensland Fury

Central Coast Mariners

Oct 11. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 North Queensland Fury
Oct 17. Brisbane Roar 0-3 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 23. Newcastle Jets 2-1 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 31. Central Coast Mariners 0-0 Adelaide United
Nov 7. Melbourne Victory 0-4 Central Coast Mariners

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Robbie Fowler (North Queensland Fury) – Who else but the one they call 'God'? The Liverpudlian poacher has been a hit in his first season down under, and the Fury will look to their talisman once again to provide the goals - or at least the inspiration - this weekend.

Matt Simon (Central Coast Mariners) – If anyone is capable of unsettling North Queensland's muscular defence through sheer force, it is this man. The 23-year-old targetman has five goals to his name this term and will no doubt be hoping to add to that tally.

PREDICTION

North Queensland Fury 2-2 Central Coast Mariners

Mick Maguire, Goal.com

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