The A-League returns to the fold with another set of matches this weekend as Central Coast Mariners take on Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday. Both teams have been inconsistent this season and will want to win this game.
Western Sydney Wanderers are in seventh place in the A-League standings and are yet to hit their stride this season. The Wanderers suffered a 2-0 defeat against Macarthur FC in their previous game and will need to bounce back this weekend.
Central Coast Mariners, on the other hand, are in fifth place in the league table at the moment and have been fairly impressive this year. The Mariners eased past Sydney FC by a 2-0 margin last week and will look to achieve a similar result in this fixture.
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Head-to-Head
Western Sydney Wanderers have a good record against Central Coast Mariners and have won 14 out of 28 matches played between the two sides. Central Coast Mariners have managed six victories against the Wanderers and will need to step up in this match.
The previous meeting between the two sides took place in April this year and ended in a 2-2 draw. Both teams committed errors on the day and will need to be more robust this weekend.
Central Coast Mariners form guide in the A-League: W-L-L-W
Western Sydney Wanderers form guide in the A-League: L-W-D-D
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Team News
Central Coast Mariners
Central Coast Mariners also have no fitness issues at the moment and will need to field their strongest team this weekend. Mark Birighitti served his suspension last week and will be available for selection.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Western Sydney Wanderers
Vedran Janjetovic is currently recovering from a long-term injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Keanu Baccus is also struggling with his fitness and will be sidelined this week.
Injured: Vedran Janjetovic, Keanu Baccus
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Predicted XI
Central Coast Mariners Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mark Birighitti; Jacob Farrell, Kye Rowles, Lewis Miller, Storm Roux; Max Balard, Oliver Bozanic, Beni N'Kololo, Josh Nisbet; Marco Urena, Matt Simon
Western Sydney Wanderers Predicted XI (4-3-3): Tomas Mejias; Rhys Williams, John Koutroumbis, Thomas Aquilina, Adama Traore; Steven Ugarkovic, Terry Antonis, Ramy Najjarine; Bernie Ibini-Isei, Dimitri Petratos, Tomer Hemed
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Prediction
Central Coast Mariners have blown hot and cold so far this season and will need to find some consistency in the coming weeks. The Mariners bounced back with a victory against Sydney FC after consecutive defeats and will look to maintain their resurgence this weekend.
Western Sydney Wanderers have good players in their ranks but will need to work as a unit this season. Both teams are evenly matched on paper and could play out a draw on Saturday.
Prediction: Central Coast Mariners 2-2 Western Sydney Wanderers