Bitesize Prediction: Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City – 31/12/24

Competition: A-League

Market: Both teams to score

Odds: 8/13 @ Pribet

In what could prove to be a frantic A-League showdown on New Year’s Eve, Central Coast will welcome Melbourne City to Gosford on Tuesday morning.

Starting with the hosts, while Central Coast might have claimed a much-welcomed 2-1 win against Sydney earlier in the month, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Mariners. Putting in a nightmare performance last weekend as they slumped to a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Auckland, Mark Jackson’s men are desperately seeking some crucial stability. Coming under plenty of scrutiny earlier in the month as they suffered a 4-0 loss against Adelaide, the former MK Dons boss could find some mounting pressure on their shoulders. Despite making real history last season as they successfully defended their A-League crown, Central Coast have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Along with putting just a single point on the board from any of their last three outings, Tuesday’s hosts have also recorded just a sole victory across any competition over the past five weeks. Enduring what has become an AFC Champions League nightmare, Jackson’s side have also shown some glaring defensive issues. In fact, the Mariners have failed to record a sole clean sheet since the start of November.

As for the visitors, although City might have been disappointed last time out as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against arch-rivals Melbourne Victory, Aureilo Vidmar’s side are enjoying a recent flurry. Getting December underway with a thumping display as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp away at Brisbane, the Sky Blues have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six A-League appearances. With that run stemming all the way back to a 3-1 loss in the Melbourne derby on October 26th, Tuesday’s guests should also be excited by their continued success away from AAMI Park. Including a sensational 5-0 victory against Perth on November 10th, the former Adelaide manager has seen his squad muster 13 points from their first five A-League showdowns on the road. It should also be noted, City have 12 goals in those five consecutive away fixtures. However, despite being pencilled in as a standout contender here, Vidmar’s side do hold a worrying record in Gosford. Losing their last two trips to Central Coast by a 2-1 scoreline, they have also recorded just a single victory away at the defending champions from any of their previous five attempts.

Bet: Both teams to score at Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City 8/13 for Tuesday’s A-League showdown @ Pribet