The clash
Melbourne City will be looking to continue their impressive unbeaten run on Wednesday night as they take on the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
City extended their unbeaten run to five matches on Friday night as they defeated Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park. Ritchie De Laet’s sole goal was the difference on the night as the marquee defender moved into the final third to extend his goal tally this season to four.
Despite the Mariners horrid run of form, Mike Mulvey’s side will be taking some form of confidence into the match after an impressive first half in Wellington. Couple that with a strong first half against Sydney FC the week before and there is enough there to keep the Mariners buoyant during desperate times.
Their second halves though have been abysmal this season, much of the reason why they are sitting at the foot of the table. The Central Coast defence has conceded nine second half goals in the past three matches and are teetering on the edge of equalling the worst losing streak in A-League history.
City have struggled with three point hauls at Central Coast Stadium in the past but with so much on the line ahead of a run of three matches in six days, Warren Joyce and his side will undoubtedly heading to New South Wales with three points in their minds.
Team news
Florin Berenguer returns to the side after recovering from his long-term calf injury. Harrison Delbridge misses out with a one-week suspension for the accumulation of five yellow cards. See our full team news.
Last time they met
The Mariners’ last point in the league was in fact against Melbourne City in Round 2 when the spoils were shared at Central Coast Stadium. Ross McCormack’s opener was cancelled out by Dario Vidosic late in the match despite City’s dominance in the second half.
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
I don’t think there’s any easy games in this league. They have nothing to fear, they have nothing to lose, they’re playing with freedom, they’re playing on the front foot. We’ve got to be at our absolute max to make sure we go there an win the game.
Central Coast Head Coach Mike Mulvey
“Any success that you have in life, it’s a lot more important if you’ve overcome some obstacles along the way. And we’re having a lot of obstacles at the moment, so we keep on keeping on.”
Where and when
City host Central Coast at Central Coast Stadium on Wednesday 16 January, kick-off 7:50pm. City see a short turnaround to Saturday as they face Perth Glory at AAMI Park, kick-off 7.50pm. Get your tickets here.
