Wellington Phoenix take on Central Coast Mariners this weekend
The A-League is back in action with another round of matches this weekend as Central Coast Mariners take on Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. Both teams have been inconsistent this season and will need to step up in this fixture.
Central Coast Mariners are in eighth place in the A-League standings and have not been at their best this season. The Mariners held Western Sydney Wanderers to a 2-2 draw in their previous game and will need to take it up a notch in this match.
Wellington Phoenix, on the other hand, are in fifth place in the league table at the moment and have been fairly impressive this season. The New Zealand-based outfit edged Perth Glory to a 1-0 victory last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners Head-to-Head
Wellington Phoenix have a good record against Central Coast Mariners and have won 19 out of 43 matches played between the two teams. Central Coast Mariners have managed 17 victories against Wellington Phoenix and will look to cut the deficit in this match.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place earlier this month and ended in a 5-0 victory for Central Coast Mariners. Wellington Phoenix were poor on the day and will need to bounce back this weekend.
Wellington Phoenix form guide in the A-League: W-W-L-L-W
Central Coast Mariners form guide in the A-League: D-L-W-D-W
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners Team News
Wellington Phoenix need to win this game
Wellington Phoenix
Clayton Lewis picked up an injury while on international duty and is unlikely to be risked in this fixture. Reno Piscopo has recovered from his injury and will be available for selection.
Injured: Oskar van Hattum, Alex Rufer, Clayton Lewis
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Central Coast Mariners need to win this game
Central Coast Mariners
Central Coast Mariners also have no discernible fitness issues at the moment and will need to field their strongest team this weekend. Lewis Miller is still serving a suspension and will be unavailable for selection.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Lewis Miller
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners Predicted XI
Wellington Phoenix Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alex Paulsen; Sam Sutton, Joshua Laws, Tim Payne, Scott Wootton; Nicholas Pennington, Louis Fenton, Walter Sandoval, Jaushua Sotirio; Ben Waine, David Ball
Central Coast Mariners Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mark Birighitti; Jacob Farrell, Kye Rowles, Dan Hall, Storm Roux; Max Balard, Oliver Bozanic, Beni N’Kololo, Josh Nisbet; Marco Urena, Jason Cumming
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners Prediction
Central Coast Mariners have been inconsistent over the past month but have managed to score seven goals in their last three games. The Mariners can pack a punch on their day but will need a shot in the arm in the coming weeks.
Wellington Phoenix have stepped up admirably this season but have had their share of problems against the Mariners in the past. Both teams are on an even footing at the moment and could play out a draw this weekend.
Prediction: Wellington Phoenix 2-2 Central Coast Mariners
