Central Coast Mariners are looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the table as they host Melbourne Victory in an A-League fixture at the Central Coast Stadium. The Mariners have impressed this season, particularly at home and should be too strong for the bottom placed visitors.
Central Coast Mariners suffered a 2-0 defeat at Melbourne City last time out in the A-League. It was a poor performance form the league leaders as they failed to muster a single attempt on target throughout the contest.
Alen Stajcic's men are still top of the table but have begun to show a few cracks in recent weeks. They have failed to win in their last two matches after being held to a 2-2 draw by Perth Glory prior to the defeat at Melbourne City.
Mariners will be pleased to return to the Central Coast Stadium where they have a solid record. They are unbeaten in their last four home matches, claiming three wins in that run.
Melbourne Victory head to Central Coast off the back of a 3-1 home defeat against Adelaide United in their last A-League fixture. James Brimmer struck the opener midway through the first half but they were quickly pegged back and conceded a further two goals after the break.
It was another chapter in a disappointing campaign for Melbourne Victory which has seen them spend much of the season rooted to the bottom of the table. They have won just two matches this season and are currently on a three-match losing run.
Melbourne victory have been poor in defence and have conceded 11 goals in their last three defeats. They are still seeking their first win on the road this season with four defeats and a draw from five matches.
How the bookies view it
Central Coast Mariners are considered favourites among the bookies with bet365 offering 10/11 for a home win. A win for Melbourne Victory is priced at 29/10 by BetVictor while a draw is set at odds of 14/5 Unibet.
Given Mariners’ solid form at the Central Coast Stadium, I am leaning towards a home win here.
Head to head
Melbourne Victory have a good record in this fixture with 24 wins from 47 previous matches. Central Coast Mariners have claimed 13 victories while there have been 11 draws between both teams.
Central Coast Mariners have won the last two fixtures against Melbourne Victory, including a 3-2 triumph in the most recent meeting in 2020.
Players to watch
Matt Simon and Alou Kuol often carry the attacking threat for Central Coast Mariners with both men scoring six goals each this season. Simon is priced at 11/10 by Unibet to score anytime while also backing Kuol at 47/20 in the same market.
Melbourne Victory will be without striker Rudy Gestede who is representing his national team. Midfielder James Brimmer has scored four goals this season and is valued at 21/4 by Unibet to find the net anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
The last two meetings between both teams have produced over 4.5 goals and a similar outcome is priced at 4/1 by BetVictor. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 17/10 by Unibet while BetVictor is offering 4/6 for over 2.5 goals.
Central Coast Mariners could also be backed to secure a half time win at 29/20 with BetVictor.
This A League match between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory will be played on Mar 27, 2021 and kick off at 08:10. Check below for our tipsters best Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.