Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City

The Australian A-League will be looking to send off the new year in style with Melbourne City making the journey to face off against Central Coast Mariners. Without a win in their last three games, the Mariners will be hoping for some good fortune going into 2025. This game will provide Melbourne City the chance to jump to as high as fourth place.

Key Stats

• Central Coast Mariners have failed to win a game in their last three attempts, while Melbourne City have not lost in their last three
• Melbourne City have scored 12 goals in their last five matches whereas the Mariners have only scored four
• In their last five meetings, Melbourne City have failed to come out victorious, with three Central Coast Mariners wins and two draws

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Central Coast Mariners have struggled in their league by their standards this season, currently sat in 10th place, the attacking threat they have been the last few seasons has completely disappeared. Without a clean sheet in nine games, the Melbourne City attack might be having a field day at the Central Coast Stadium.

Coming into this game off back-to-back draws against top of the league and third place, Melbourne City will be confident they can quickly dispose of the Coasties. Collecting 12 goals from their last five games, Melbourne will be looking to take advantage of a poor performing defensive side while their attack is dangerous.

Central Coast Mariners Preview

Formation: 4-4-2

Predicted Line-Up: Dylan Persia-Cullen; Lucas Mauragis, Nathan Paull, Brian Kaltak, Storm Roux; Christian Theoharous, Harrison Steele, Alfie McCalmont, Sasha Kuzevski; Alou Kuol, Mikael Doka

How many chances is Mark Jackson going to give striker Mikael Doku this season? Eight games in and the forward is still without his first goal of the season, maybe the transfer window will give Jackson a chance to grab himself a new striker. Jackson also notably changed to a three-back formation in their last game and got absolutely smashed by top of the league Auckland FC, so maybe he will think of reverting back to the ever-trusting four back formation.

In a fixture where the Mariners have dominated in recent years, they will be hoping for a miracle to keep that record going.

Melbourne City Preview

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: Patrick Thomas Beach; Aziz Behich, Samuel Souprayen, Kai Trewin, Nathaniel Atkinson; Zane William Schreiber, Steven Ugarkovic; Harry Politids, Andreas Kuen, Yonatan Cohen; Medim Memeti

Likely to field the same side that picked up a draw against Melbourne Victory in their last fixture, Aurelio Vidmar’s side have looked strong as of late. Winger Yonatan Cohen has been on fire for in their recent games. Picking up four goals in his last five games, Central Coast Mariners better be ready for him down that right side.

Head to Head Stats

Central Coast Mariners have not lost to Melbourne City for over two years, but it is still Melbourne City who have enjoyed more of the wins across history. Struggling to find form, Central Coast Mariners are unlikely to hold onto this stat.

Betting Tips

The Mariners have shown no signs of strength to be able to handle a prolific Melbourne FC. Melbourne’s attack is looking scary and with big gaps in the Mariners defence so far this season, it is difficult to see Mariners getting a favourable result.

For this reason, our betting experts say that Melbourne FC to win both halves is the best value top for this game. With odds of 11/2, a stake of £10 could see a return of up to £65.

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction: Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne FC

Central Coast Mariners 0-2 Melbourne FC

The Mariners are out of form, with less goals in their league campaign so far this season than their opponents have in their last five. This result has Melbourne FC written all over it.