Bitesize Prediction: Macarthur FC vs Central Coast Mariners – 23/12/24

Competition: A-League

Market: Goal to be scored in both halves

Odds: 7/10 @ BetUS

Two sides who have their sights set on snatching a play-off ticket this season, Macarthur will welcome Central Coast to the Campbelltown Stadium on Monday morning.

Starting with the hosts, managing to claim a much-welcomed boost last week as they snatched a shock 2-1 victory away at Wellington, Macarthur will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, despite opening up the new campaign with a dominant 6-1 romp against Perth on October 20th, Mile Sterjovski’s side have struggled to find any kind of stability. Signing off November with a remarkable 4-4 stalemate against Brisbane, the Sydney-based outfit have recorded just a trio of wins from any of their first eight A-League appearances. Although the Bulls might have entered November’s international break with a 2-1 win away at local rivals Sydney FC, Macarthur have shown some extended dense issues. In fact, continuing on from last season, Monday’s hosts have registered just a pair of A-League clean sheets since the start of March. It should also be noted, Sterjovski’s men have shipped eight goals in their first four showdowns at the Campbelltown Stadium.

As for the visitors, while Central Coast might have made real history last season as they successfully defended their A-League crown, the Mariners have endured a public crisis this time around. Putting in a nightmare performance last week as they fell to a woeful 4-0 drumming at home against Adelaide, Mark Jackson’s men have come under some increasing scrutiny. Putting just a single point on the board from any of their first six AFC Champions League appearances this year, the Gosford-based outfit have now lost four of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Getting hit with another 4-0 loss against Japanese giants Yokohama on December 3rd, Monday’s guests are also sat outside the play-off places. Heading into November’s international break with a 3-0 defeat against Wellington, Central Coast have failed to record consecutive victories since opening up the new campaign. It should also be highlighted, the Mariners have conceded 16 goals in just their last six appearances.

Bet: Goal to be scored in both halves at Macarthur FC vs Central Coast Mariners 7/10 for Monday’s A-Leagie contest @ BetUS