Melbourne Victory take on the Central Coast Mariners at the GMHBA Stadium this weekend, with the hosts going into the clash as the in-form team in the A-League. With the visitors having not won in their last four matches, it is certainly the hosts who are the firm favourites for victory on Saturday morning.
Australian A-League – GMHBA Stadium, Victoria – Saturday 6th January – 09:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at Betway |
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Melbourne
Central CoastMatch Preview
Four wins from five matches have left Melbourne Victory just in a healthy position in the A-League standings, with manager Kevin Muscat undoubtedly expecting his team to kick off the new year in style in front of their home supporters this weekend. Not many are expecting much of a threat from the Central Coast Mariners, however head coach Paul Okon will certainly be hoping that his side can turn a corner in 2018. For those still unsure of who to back with the bookies this weekend, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as our top betting tip below.
Melbourne Victory Team News & Form
The home side come into this clash off the back of a 2-1 home win over the Newcastle Jets, there fourth victory in their last five A-League outings. Manager Muscat has led his side to a revival after a tough start to the campaign, with the Victory having now scored 18 goals from their 13 league clashes. Kosovan international Besart Berisha is the teams leading goalscorer so far this season with 5 A-League goals, while former Newcastle United youngster James Troisi could well line up on the wings for the home side, having impressed during his short time in Melbourne.
Central Coast Mariners Team News & Form
The Central Coast Mariners have now lost three of their last four A-League matches, with their goalless draw with the Wellington Phoenix last time around demonstrating their struggles. The visitors average just one goal per game in the Australian top-flight, with the pressure now on Spanish forward Asdrúbal Padrón to add to his two goals for the club following his arrival at the start of the season. The visitors will be looking to add to just three wins in the league this season, a record which has left them ninth in the standings.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 34 times in the past, with the Melbourne Victory having won 18 of such meetings, as well as registering ten draws. Such victories include their 1-0 success over their rivals back in April last year, before battling to a goalless draw away from home.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their standing in the table and their status as the home side, it comes as little surprise that it is the Melbourne Victory who are the favourites to claim all three points with the bookmakers. However, those looking to back the visiting side for victory can take advantage of odds of 9/2 with William Hill, while betting on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes can be found at odds of 4/6 with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on the Melbourne Victory to come away with three points this weekend, which is available at odds 8/13 ahead of kick-off at Paddy Power.