Central Coast Mariners hosts Perth Glory in round 12 of Australian A-League. The match will be played on Tuesday, December 31st at Central Coast Stadium (Gosford)
The Mariners of Alen Stajcic finished the last regular championship in tenth place. This is not high, given the eleven participants in the tournament, and does not give the right to compete for the title. Actually, they do not need it. Nine games are behind in the championship that started, and Central Coast Mariners is in ninth place, at the usual distance from claims to great achievements. After nine rounds played, the team even had three wins, one of which happened in the last round. The reason for this was the home stadium, where the club lost only one out of four games, gained two victories and tied with Newcastle Jets at the beginning of the season. General statistics and statistics of the home field show us two different teams. If Central Coast doesn’t surprise anyone with general results (9/14), the home statistics of this club is quite good - 5/5. It won the matches with Western United (1:0) and Adelaide (2:1), and it will play the second home game in a row.
The oldest league club comes to visit after three victories in a row. Melbourne City (0:3), Sydney Wanderers (2:0) and Newcastle Jets (6:2) could not oppose Perth's attacking actions. Truth be told, do not be fooled by the current fourth place of the club and the positive balance - 18/12. Only the last three victories allowed the team to rise so high and correct the statistics. More recently, Glory’s results were a pitiful sight. After ten rounds, four victories, three draws and three defeats allowed to score 15 points. I will note that the density of results in Australia and one defeat or victory can change the situation significantly.
As for five head-to-head matches, Central Coast gained victory in the last one (1:2). The more skillful opponent won the remaining four games. The current vice-champion and the winner of the regular season 2018/19 is gaining momentum. The confusion and reeling of the first rounds were left behind, as evidenced by recent results. Both clubs are on the rise. You are well aware of how such meetings in Australia end. I think that the Mariners won’t win in their homeland for the third time in a row. I’ll bet on the victory of Perth Glory in the scoring match. And I almost forgot, Happy New Year!
Prediction for the match: Perth Glory to win and Over 3.5 goals scored
