Central Coast Mariners will play host to Buriram United at Industree Group Stadium in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday. Both sides are in search of their first win in this campaign.
Central Coast Mariners vs Buriram United Preview
The hosts suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Shandong Taishan in their campaign-opening match. Central Coast Mariners will enjoy home advantage in the upcoming clash on their turf, where they are unbeaten in their last 11 matches. The hosts sit 10th in the East Region table ahead of the second matchday. Only the top eight teams will progress.
Mariners returned to the competition this year following a nine-year absence. Their last participation was during the 2015 edition, when they crashed out in the qualifying playoff round. The Australian team have played thrice since the end of the 2023-24 A-League season, drawing once and losing twice.
Buriram United were held to a goalless draw at home by Japanese giants Vissel Kobe in their opening game. The one point earned from that game keeps the visitors in the top eight – at precisely seventh spot. They will be eying more points to strengthen their position and avoid slipping out of the qualification zone.
Thunder Castle did not qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite last season. Their last participation dates back to 2021-22, when they failed to progress beyond the playoff round. Buriram United, who won the Thai League 1 last season, are off to a bright start in the new campaign, as they sit atop the table after seven rounds of matches.
Central Coast Mariners vs Buriram United Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Central Coast Mariners have won thrice and drawn twice in their last five matches at home.
- Central Coast Mariners are appearing for the fifth time in this competition as opposed to 12 for Buriram United.
- Central Coast Mariners have scored six goals and conceded nine in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Buriram United have won twice, drawn twice and lost once in their last five matches on the road.
- Central Coast Mariners have won once, drawn twice and lost twice in their last five matches while Buriram United have won thrice and drawn twice. Form Guide: Central Coast Mariners – L-D-L-W-D, Buriram United – W-W-D-D-W.
Central Coast Mariners vs Buriram United Prediction
Lack of competitive football is probably telling for the hosts. However, they have a good home record and we expect them to return to winning ways.
Buriram United will fight for a win or a draw, as a defeat could see them dropping off the qualification zone in the East Region standings.
Central Coast Mariners should win based on home advantage.
Prediction: Central Coast Mariners 3-1 Buriram United
Central Coast Mariners vs Buriram United Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Central Coast Mariners to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Central Coast Mariners to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Buriram United to score - Yes