Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix – A league

Central Coast Mariners enter their game without Poscoliero and Adelson, with no fresh injuries worries though head coach Paul Okon is unlikely to make any changes from the team that picked up their first win of the season last time out, as he looks for a repeat performance against Wellington Phoenix. Their run without a win stretched back into January of last season and when they secured three points last weekend the relief on the faces of both players and backroom staff was clear to see. They’ll be looking to use that as a shot in the arm, trying to find another three points against a Wellington Phoenix side that has been hampered by international call ups ahead of the game. Despite missing a couple of players in defence the squad is in good shape and have been able to be fairly consistent in their line up this season. Rose should be able to start games in the next couple of weeks and his return should see the midfield becoming even more fluid.

Wellington are without 6 first team players, with Moss, Fenton, Durante, McGlinchey and Barbarouses all being called up to the New Zealand national side. Doyle is also unavailable through injury, leaving head coach Ernie Merrick with a selection headache, especially in defence where numbers are low. They also picked up their first win of the season last weekend, beating Newcastle Jets 2-0, but with so many of the players that played in that game missing much of the momentum gained will be lost. Merrick will be looking for the players coming into the team to really push on and make their mark as they try and find another three points against one of the weaker teams in the league.

Previous match between these two teams (highlights)

Verdict & Prediction

Central Coast Mariners come into the game after picking up their first win of the season, something that will be sure to give them a massive confidence boost as they try and find another three points. They have seen improvement in defence, something Okon will want to keep going. Wellington Phoenix will be buoyed by their first win of the season when they beat Newcastle Jets 2-0, but much of the momentum they gained with that win will be lost as they lose seven first team players to a combination of injury and international duty. I recommend a bet on home team to win this match.

Prediction: Central Coast Mariners -0.50
Odds: 2.30 Pinnacle
Bitcoin Bookies: 2.81 NitrogenSports
Exchange Odds: 2.30 Betfair and Matchbook

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