Prediction and odds for the game: CC Mariners (17/4) v Melbourne City (4/7)
We are backing the away win
When: Friday 20th March 2020, Kick-off 06:30 AM (GMT)
Where: Central Coast Stadium
On Friday morning, CC Mariners host Melbourne City at the Central Coast Stadium, as the visitors look to seal a spot in the AFC Champions League qualifying round in A-League.
CC Mariners
The Gosford-based team have endured a torrid time in the Australian top-flight this season. Alen Stajcic’s team are bottom of the A-League, seven points adrift of Melbourne Victory who occupy tenth place.
The home side has lost their last nine matches in the league. To make matters worse, they have also 13 of their last 15 matches in the A-League. Conceding too many goals has played a key role in their current position, as the Mariners have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven league outings.
The recent defensive problems have not been a major surprise, as no team has conceded more goals in the A-League than the home side. No team has scored fewer goals this season either.
Unsurprisingly, CC Mariners recent home record is not great in the A-League, as they have lost their previous four league games on home soil. They have also conceded three goals in each of their last three league outings.
Melbourne City
The visitors are currently second place in the A-League table, ten points behind league leaders Sydney FC, who also have two games in-hand. With top spot seemingly looking out of reach, the visitor’s main priority will be to consolidate their position in the AFC Champions League qualifying spot. They are currently just a point ahead of third-place Wellington Phoenix.
The visitors recent league form has been inconsistent. A 1-1 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers last time out means they have won three of their last five games in the A-League. The visitors recent league matches have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last eight outings.
City have struggled on their travels of late in the Australian top-flight, winning just one of their last five league games on the road. A 3-2 win at Perth Glory in their last away game in the Australian top-flight ended a four-game run without an away win in the league. Their recent away games in the A-League have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in eight of their last nine league matches on their travels.
Conclusion
The home side is in woeful form and has been for most of the season. That is why we are backing the away win. Both teams’ recent matches have been high-scoring, while the home side is also highly vulnerable in defence. That leads us to back the over 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 4/7 and/or the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/15. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Can CC Mariners end their torrid run of form against Melbourne City?
