Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC: A-League Sunday preview

Central Coast Mariners have finally picked up their first victory of the season and could do with the same again when they entertain Sydney FC.

The Mariners went four games without a win before beating the Newcastle Jets in their last A-League clash.

They also started slowly last season before going on a run that eventually saw them complete a premiership/championship double.

Sydney FC have had an up and down start to the campaign and need to find some consistency if they are to challenge for honours in 2024/25.

It is very early in the season, but there is a lot riding on this fixture for both sides.

Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC betting preview

Mariners struggling for goals

In the past the Mariners have been a side who have scored goals for fun, but so far this season they are struggling to hit the back of the net.

Indeed, they have only scored three goals in five games and two of those came in the 2-1 win over the Jets.

They have been involved in two goalless draws and have failed to score in three out of five fixtures.

At the other end, apart from a 3-0 home defeat against Wellington Phoenix, they have kept things relatively tight, conceding five goals in total.

But still it is not the Mariners that fans have become accustomed to over the last couple of seasons.

The last meeting between the two sides in April 2024 also finished goalless and it could be another low-scoring affair on Sunday.

Central Coast do not have the best record against Sydney, winning just one game in the last six, so they will also be keen to put that right.

Sydney finding some form

Sydney FC picked up a morale-boosting 4-2 win against Western Sydney Wanderers in their last A-League fixture and have backed that up with two wins in the Champions League.

It looks as though Ufuk Talay’s men have found some form and it is important they continue in the same manner against the Mariners.

Scoring goals has not been an issue for them, finding the back of the net on 10 occasions this season, with new signing Patryk Klimala bagging three of them.

However, they have conceded eight and need to tighten things up at the back if they are to challenge for honours.

The Blues have won three of their last six meetings with the Mariners, but only one of those has been away from home.

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Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC odds

Central Coast Mariners - 3.90
Draw - 3.60
Sydney FC - 1.95

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.