The Brisbane Roar are focused on rattling Central Coast with a pre-finals psychological blow on Saturday night rather than keeping hold of the A-League premier’s plate.

The Roar, who have slipped to third and 11 points behind the frontrunners, can virtually wave the minor premiership goodbye in Gosford if they fail to end the Mariners’ 15-match unbeaten streak.

But Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou has put all thoughts of the premiership equation out of his head and is fixated on his team “making a statement” against last season’s grand final rivals.

Most pundits expect the two clubs to face off again in this year’s decider and Postecoglou highlighted the importance of regaining a mental hold over the Mariners.

“That’s a significant thing because it will be the last time we face them before the finals and there’s always stuff you can take in (to the finals),” he said on Thursday.

“You can have doubts about your opponent if they’ve beaten you comprehensively in your last encounter.”

The Roar were unbeaten against Central Coast over seven matches during their record 36-match streak – including the amazing come-from-behind grand final triumph featuring two heart-breaking goals in the final four minutes of extra time.

The Mariners finally broke the shackles with a 2-1 win seven weeks ago and have gone from strength to strength, while Brisbane have slumped with just two wins in their past 11 matches.

“It’s a good test for us but, from our point of view, it’s the kind of game we want to get going into the finals series,” Postecoglou said.

“The reality of it is nothing gets decided this weekend but, from our point of view, we want to keep raising our level.

“We play (second-placed) Wellington the next week as well who are a step above us.

“You want to make statements and it’s all about having good form going into finals and, if we can get some momentum against some of the teams we will be facing, then even better.”

Leading goalscorer Besart Berisha returns from suspension in a boost for the Roar, with Thomas Broich set to move back to the left wing.

Young midfielder Luke Brattan is likely to replace playmaker Mitch Nichols who is on Olyroos duty in the Middle East.

The Mariners must also overcome the absence of fellow Olyroos in red-hot goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Mustafa Amini and Oliver Bozanic but Postecoglou denied the defending champions were advantaged by the timing.

Meantime, Brisbane on Thursday signed Sydney-based Joeys striker Anthony Proia, 17, on a two-and-a-half season deal.