Bitesize Prediction: Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory – 25/05/24

Competition: A-League Play-Off Final

Market: Central Coast Mariners win

Odds: 6/5 @ BetUS

With this season’s A-League play-off title up for grabs on Saturday morning, Central Coast will welcome Melbourne Victory to the Industree Group Stadium.

Starting with the hosts, crowned AFC Cup champions earlier in the month as they secured a 1-0 victory against Lebanese outfit Al-Ahed, Central Coast have enjoyed a famous fairytale this season. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Mark Jackson’s men are riding a major wave of momentum. Booking their spot in Saturday’s showpiece event as they edged past Sydney thanks to a 2-1 aggregate victory, the former MK Dons boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Excited to make a return to the Industree Group Stadium this weekend, the Mariners have gained a reputation for their extended success on home soil. Along with winning seven of their last eight showdowns in front of their own supporters, it should also be noted that Central Coast have suffered just a single defeat in Gosford from any of their previous 17 outings.

As for the visitors, springing another play-off upset last weekend as they scrapped past Wellington Phoenix following extra-time drama, Melbourne have shown some real mental resolve over the past fortnight. However, now failing to win any of their previous seven showdowns against A-League opposition within 90 minutes, the Victory have largely struggled with their consistency since opening the New Year. More than aware that they are set for a heavyweight challenge when they travel to Gosford on Saturday morning, Tony Popovic’s men will be concerned by a downbeat record against Central Coast. Hit with a 1-0 defeat when they welcomed the Mariners to AAMI Park for their most recent meeting on February 25th, they have collected just a single win from any of their previous six battles. It should also be highlighted that Melbourne have failed to register a sole win the Industree Group Stadium since way back in February 2019. Despite their play-off success, we are predicting a home victory here.

Bet: Central Coast Mariners 6/5 to beat Melbourne Victory in Saturday’s A-League play-off final @ BetUS