Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners: A-League betting preview and tip

Australian A-League
10.50am Friday

Central Coast travel to Melbourne City aware they are on course to finish bottom of the A-League for a second successive season, but they can take confidence from their win over the playoff hopefuls earlier this term.

That victory was the first for the Mariners this season and their other two league triumphs have come in their last five fixtures against Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers.

There have been few issues in the striking department. Lone frontman Matt Simon is in good form with three goals in his last two games, but defensive frailties have seen them rooted to the foot of the standings.

Melbourne should have got more from the reverse fixture, winning the shot count 21-9 and enjoying the lion’s share of possession, and they can get it right on home soil.

Well-versed in the A-League finals series, City are aiming to hold off Newcastle to secure a spot in the playoffs.

They have won only two of their last 11 matches and this fixture is a golden opportunity for them to register maximum points.

There is no relegation from the A-League so Central Coast are essentially playing for pride, while the onus is on City who are in need of points.

Having battered Brisbane 4-1 in a recent home encounter, their attacking qualities are evident but, with coach Warren Joyce struggling for defensive consistency and alternating between five and four at the back, the Mariners should have their chances to notch.

Recommendation
Melbourne City to win & both teams to score
1pt 7-5 Betway

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