F3 derby to lead action-packed Saturday in spite of COVID-19

Central Coast and Arthur Papas’ Newcastle are set for a great derby clash despite the postponment of three other A-League games because of COVID-19..

All three games of the A-League’s tenth round will be played out on Saturday, beginning with the headline F3 derby match in Gosford.

The Mariners come into the match with some good form, having won three matches on the bounce before the COVID-mandated break.

Central Coast’s coach Nick Montgomery says his side will be wary of Papas’ side, who will seek retribution after losing the reverse fixture in the premiere round of the season, while hoping that the locals will come to enjoy the contest.

“It’s a big rivalry, we had a good result up there and we know they’ll be coming down for revenge…Everyone is itching to get back and we hope the fans can come out and support us during this difficult time and get behind us,” Mr Montgomery said to media.

Adelaide United welcomes the reigning champions Melbourne City in the second meeting between the two in Adelaide this season, the first being a breathtaking 2-2 draw.

Reds goalkeeper Joe Gauci is embracing the challenge of protecting his goal from the likes of Socceroos forwards Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout.

“It’s really exciting as a goalkeeper because you want to test yourself against the best players, it’s a real challenge but we’re all up for it,” Gauci said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Saturday’s final fixture will feature Sydney FC hosting Brisbane in a must-win match for the visitors.

The Sky Blues will be filled with confidence after beating the same opposition in the FFA Cup Quarter-final mid-week.

The Queenslanders, meanwhile, are facing a make-or-break moment for their season, having earned only one point from the four league matches they have managed to play so far.

The following games scheduled for this weekend have been postponed: Macarthur-Western United, Perth-Wellington and Western Sydney-Melbourne Victory.