Central Coast Mariners vs Macarthur
12 June 1005hrs
Football – Australia – A-League
Pick Central Coast Mariners
Bookmaker Betfred
Odds: 20/21 odds taken 2000 GMT, Thursday 10 June
The first of the elimination finals takes place on Saturday with Central Coast Mariners taking on Macarthur as both teams chase a place in next week’s semi-final.
Table of Contents
Central Coast Mariners Preview – Are the 2013 winners going to advance to the semi-final stage?
This will be the first time Central Coast are competing in the post-season of the A-League since 2014 which in itself is a massive achievement. Since that time, the Mariners have not finished higher than eighth place so Alen Stajcic will be delighted that his team are able to finish in third place and with home advantage to reach next weekend’s semi-finals. That would put them a game away from their first and only title since 2013.
A second title is still some way off yet but optimism is increasing on the Central Coast and the fact they finished just seven points behind the Premiership winners Melbourne City will give them encouragement that they can compete against whoever they play should they get through this game.
A 2-0 win over Western United in their final regular game of the season secured third spot for Central Coast and perhaps more importantly gave them their first home win in four games. In theory it means they are also playing the weakest team in the elimination finals, too.
Veteran striker Matty Simon is having his best scoring season in a decade. His 10 goals in the A-League have been a huge reason for the successful season the Mariners are having and if he scores two more between now and whenever Central Coast’s campaign ends then it will be his best return of his career.
Macarthur Preview – Can Macarthur continue their excellent first maiden campaign in the A-League?
In what is their first season competing in the A-League it’s quite remarkable to see Macarthur make it into the playoffs. Regardless of what happens from here their inaugural campaign can only be considered a success and it will give them significant foundations to build from here on. Led by Ante Milicic (former boss of the Australian women’s national team), Macarthur finished in sixth spot, just one point ahead of Wellington Phoenix.
Their ability to pick up points regularly has been key to their qualification for the finals, never losing more than two games in a row in the regular season.
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Milicic knows that his team will be playing their remaining games on their travels but the fact they finished with two wins and two draws on their final four away games indicates that they are capable on the road. They also defeated current champions Sydney away earlier in the year.
There are some well-known players in this squad, the majority of whom would be in the veteran stage. Spaniards Benat and Susaeta provide the flair and craft which Englishman Matt Derbyshire has benefited from, scoring 14 goals in 25 games. Mark Milligan has won the A-League Championship twice and with two different clubs so his experience in midfield is invaluable.
Central Coast Mariners vs Macarthur Betting Advice
The winners of this will be visitng either Melbourne (City) or Sydney next weekend but that won’t be in the thoughts of either coach just yet. Central Coast have had the edge over Macarthur in all three meetings during the regular season and will be going for a fourth straight win.
Key Facts – Central Coast Mariners vs Macarthur Betting Tip
- Central Coast are competing in the post-season for the first time in seven years
- Macarthur have made the finals series in their first season playing in the A-League
- The Mariners won all three meetings between the two sides during the regular season
Whilst these playoff games are a different contest altogether it is hard to escape the Mariners record over this opponent so I’m taking them to advance to the semi-final stage and continue their dream of a second championship.
Best Betting Odds for Central Coast Mariners vs Macarthur
