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Sydney FC hosts Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium in what looms as a tight Round 15 A-League clash. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEDT).
With Melbourne City leaking points over the last month, the Mariners have the chance to creep even closer to the top of the A-League Men’s ladder with a win today.
Just five points behind City, the Mariners have been the surprise packet of the season under Nick Montgomery, and their enterprising play has been a treat to watch. However, only one point has been claimed by the men in yellow over the past fortnight, with a loss to the Phoenix blotting the copybook before a hard-fought draw against the Wanderers in Round 14.
Sydney FC grabbed a rare win against Melbourne Victory last time out, after a horror run since returning from the World Cup break. It was a much-needed victory that keeps the Sky Blues in the race for the top six, and also relieved some building pressure around manager Steve Corica, who is still not getting the most out of the talent at his disposal.
Sydney continue to struggle in midfield without the creativity of new Wanderer Milos Ninkovic, and the 23 goals conceded to this point in the season is simply far too many for a team hoping to contend in the finals.
It sets up a gripping fixture, with both teams potentially inside the six with a Sydney win and the Mariners eyeing off the Premier’s Plate should they be able to close the gap further at the top of the table. Both teams score at a good rate, but also concede regularly and that sets up a juicy Saturday afternoon A-League offering.
Team news sees the Sky Blues farewell reserve Patrick Yazbek after his recent move abroad, though they will enter the match with a settled and uninjured squad aside from Englishman Jock Rodwell. The Mariners welcome new signing Dylan Wenzel-Halls and the return of Ben N’Kololo.
Prediction
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The frantic press of the Mariners could well undo what has been a nervy Sky Blue defence this season, and if the Mariners do find some form in front of goal, an expected big crowd will be sent home disappointed after yet another loss at Allianz.
Sydney FC 1 Central Coast Mariners 3
Game information
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney Kick-off: 5pm (AEDT) Streaming: Paramount + Betting: Sydney $2.05, draw $3.70, Mariners $3.25 – odds via PlayUp
