Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Sunday sees two games kick off at 06:00 in the morning (UK), with Matthew O’Regan providing a Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. The sides are separated by three places and three points in the A-League, so an entertaining match is expected.

Our Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers prediction is for Central Coast Mariners to win the match 2-1.

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Prediction, Team News, Standings and Lineups Preview

1. Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 1: Central Coast Mariners to Win
2. Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 2: Angel Torres to Score
3. Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 3: Lachlan Brook to Score

In this article:

• Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Team News and Possible Lineups
• Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Match Stats
• Central Coast Mariners Fixtures
• Western Sydney Wanderers Fixtures
• Safer Gambling

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This week’s bettingexpert Football Podcast looking ahead at the weekend’s schedule

And if you’d rather see the Podcast, Daniel Jenkins, and Sam Ingram in all their glory, here’s the YouTube video.

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Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 1: Mariners To Bounce Back

Australia ,A-League , Sunday, February 18th , 06:00 (UK)

Central Coast Mariners (CCM) 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions was ended on the weekend as they were shocked 1-3 at home to Sydney FC, thanks to three goals in the opening 20 minutes.

It was a result that would’ve angered Mark Jackson, with his side in imperative form coming into the game. Alas, they still sit second in the league and look set to qualify for the playoffs yet again. Jackson will be looking for a reaction from his side, so don’t be surprised to see a fast start for the Mariners.

CCM boast the best home record in the league, accumulating 17 points from ten home matches after losing their first two matches at the Industree Group stadium in the midst of a turbulent start.

Since then, their form has picked up, and they’ve looked like serious title contenders – despite the blip against Sydney.

Western Sydney has also enjoyed a fruitful season and currently sits fifth in the league, three points behind Sunday’s hosts, with the added bonus of a game in hand. Mark Rudan’s side is traditionally involved in low-scoring games, with only half of their games thus far seeing three or more goals.

Despite this, their last two games have been jam-packed full of entertainment, with WSW losing 4-3 to Macarthur in the last minute while scoring a last-minute equaliser to salvage a 3-3 draw with Newcastle Jets.

Wanderers are showing signs of defensive fragility in the last couple of games, and I fully expect Central Coast to exploit this and bounce back in emphatic style.

• Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 1: Central Coast Mariners to Win
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 2: Angelic Finishing

Angel Torres is a player for whom I have run out of superlatives. The Colombian is lighting the division up with his dazzling displays, boasting 11 goals and three assists in 16 starts.

Torres is something of an enigma, often going long periods of the game unnoticed then popping up with the moment of the match.

In the disappointing 1-3 loss to Sydney, Torres was a rare bright spark, scoring a second-half consolation goal. The 23-year-old was everywhere, challenging for every ball and really trying to affect the game.

Torres has shown an eagerness in front of goal, averaging 0.71 goals per 90, having 3.37 shots and 1.56 SOT p90 as well.

In a game I am expecting CCM to win, Torres will look to make it six goals in as many games.

• Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 2: Angel Torres to Score
• Best Odds: 2.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 3: Brook and his Brace

After an intriguing career so far that has seen him feature for Adelaide United, Crewe Alexandra and Brentford B, Lachlan Brook looks to have found a home in Sydney for the Wanderers.

The 23-year-old now has seven goals in nine starts for WSW, including five goals in the last three, seeing a brace in the last two.

Over the last three games, Brook has had 5,5 and 2 shots, with eight of these on target. This is pretty consistent with his seasonal stats, averaging 4.43 shots and 2.15 on target per 90.

One thing that stands out when looking at Brook’s p90 stats is his goals per 90 (0.84). While the 23-year-old has had limited opportunities, he’s made the most of these and is knocking on the door of a regular starting berth, having started three games in a row. A goal on Sunday will only further strengthen his argument.

• Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Tip 3: Lachlan Brook to Score
• Best Odds: 4.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Predictions odds via bet365 as at 00:00, February 12th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

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Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers Team News and Possible Lineups: Ill-Discipline affecting visitors

CCM has a very short absentee list, with only midfield conductor Harrison Steele missing out due to injury.

The visitors, on the other hand, currently have an injury crisis in goal, with star keeper Lawrence Thomas missing out through injury, as well as backup Daniel Margush, who has a concussion.

This means that 18-year-old rookie Taiga Harper will have the gloves again after conceding three on debut.

In the chaotic 3-3 draw with the Jets, right back Tate Russell was sent off for two yellows, while Jorrit Hendrix was dismissed for a straight red. The game before, centre-back Tom Beadling was dismissed, with Aidan Simmons sent off the match.

Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup:
Vukovic; Mikael, Hall, Kaltak, Farrell; Theoharous, Nisbet, Balard, Torres; Edmondson, Kuol

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Harper; Cleur, Bonetig, Marcelo, Clisby; Brook, Brillante, Priestman, Milanovic; Borrello; Antonsson

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Match Stats: Potent attack vs Strong Defence

• WSW have won 15 of the last 34 meetings.
• WSW Have the third best defensive record in the league.
• CCM have scored the joint most league goals.
• CCM have scored 2+ in the 5 of the last 7 matches.

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Central Coast Mariners Fixtures: Trio of tricky away days

• Vs Western Sydney Wanderers (H)
• Vs Melbourne Victory (A)
• Vs Newcastle Jets (A)
• Vs Macarthur (A)
• Vs Melbourne City (H)

Western Sydney Wanderers Fixtures: Rivalry sandwiched in

• Vs CCM (A)
• Vs Adelaide United (A)
• Vs Sydney (H)
• Vs Western United (H)
• Vs Perth Glory (A)

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SAFER GAMBLING

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.