Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United
1 April 0940hrs
Football – Australia – A-League
Pick Adelaide United
Bookmaker Betway
Odds: 21/10 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 29 March
The top two in the A-League go head to head on Thursday as leaders Central Coast attempt to get back to winning ways against inform Adelaide.
Table of Contents
Central Coast Mariners Preview – Can Mariners get back to winning ways as they look to preserve their lead at the top?
Having finished bottom of the table in each of the last three years, it’s something of a surprise to see Central Coast Mariners sitting top of the A-League beyond the halfway point of the season. Coach Alen Stajcic celebrated two years in charge of the Mariners this month and the transformation in that time has been remarkable.
Central Coast started the campaign with eight wins in their first 11 games – the same number of victories they accumulated in the previous two campaigns combined. Things have got a little rocky of late, however, failing to win any of their last three resulting in their lead at the top of the table being cut to one point.
There remains plenty of work to do even to secure a playoff spot for the finals. Central Coast are nine points clear of seventh place Perth Glory who have two games in hand over them. With the top six all qualifying for the finals, the Mariners need to get back to winning ways.
Adelaide United Preview – Will 2016 champions make it seven straight wins and move them above their opponents?
Adelaide are putting together a terrific run of form at the moment. They have won their last six and moving into second spot in the process. First year head coach Thomas Veart looks to have found the winning formula and will be hoping it continues between now and the end of the regular season into the playoffs, as Adelaide look to win their third title and first since 2016.
Having won just two of their first seven matches this term it looked like this would be a season of transition but there’s no doubt the objective has changed and it presents a viable opportunity to bring success.
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One of the big reasons for the recent turnaround in form has been the loan signing of Craig Godwin. Having enjoyed several productive spells at the club previously, Godwin has returned until the end of the season and has hit four goals in five league games.
Midfielder Stefan Mauk is also chipping in with goals and is having a career-best season sitting on six goals in his 11 league appearances. Like Godwin, Mauk has hit four in his last five matches including a double against Melbourne Victory earlier this month.
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United Betting Advice
Not only can Adelaide go top with a win in this game but they also have a game in hand over Central Coast. That gives them a real opportunity to take control heading into the final part of the season. For Central Coast this game is as much about their mentality as anything else and if they have what it takes to be genuine challengers.
The teams met back in February when Adelaide edged a five-goal thriller. That is one of 11 victories for Adelaide in the last 13 meetings between the two.
Key Facts – Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United Betting Tip
- Leaders Central Coast have taken just one point from their last three games
- Adelaide have won their last six games and can go top with a win as well as having a game in hand
- The teams met back in February and it was a 3-2 win for Adelaide – their 11th win in 13 against this opponent
The Mariners have actually only won three of their last seven at home. With the visitors looking four a fourth straight success on their travels, it is worth siding with Adelaide United here. They can get the three points which will take them top of the A-League.
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