Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners: A-League preview

Central Coast Mariners will be keen to pick up their first victory of the new A-League season when they take on arch-rivals Newcastle Jets.

The reigning premiers have yet to taste victory but will not be reaching for the panic button just yet.

Last season they lost the opening four games, before going on to complete the double, so there is still plenty of time to turn things around.

The Jets have managed to pick up a win, but having played a game less, find themselves locked on three points with the Mariners.

Known as the F3 derby, it is the longest standing rivalry in the A-League, so there is no love lost between the two sides.

That will add spice to the occasion and it could be an explosive night at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners betting preview

Mariners need a lift

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Central Coast Mariners, who have drawn three and lost one of their opening four games.

After drawing the first three, they suffered a big setback when losing 3-0 on home soil to Wellington Phoenix before the international break.

What will be a big concern for coach Mark Jackson is the fact his side are struggling to hit the back of the net.

They have now drawn a blank in three of the four games, which for a side that loves to get forward and create chances, is a worry.

Angel Torres has yet to hit the form of last season, while Alou Kuol is also searching for his shooting boots.

Ryan Edmondson, who can get goals from midfield has also seen his early season disrupted by injuries.

But the Mariners showed last season that when they get up and running they can be difficult to stop, and will be out to do the same again.

Jets search for consistency

The Jets have shown what they are capable of with a 2-1 win at Macarthur FC, while they also ran Melbourne City close before losing 1-0.

The 4-1 defeat at Western Sydney Wanderers before the international break will be a concern for the fans, who will be hoping it was just a blip.

They will have some work to do however as recent history has not been kind. Indeed they have lost each of the last five meetings.

Their last win over the Mariners was back in December 2021 when they 2-1 in Gosford.

Games between the two sides are usually high-scoring affairs. Only one game in the last six has see less than three goals scored.

However the two sides have only scored four goals between them so far this season, so a tight, low-scoring affair could be on the cards.

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Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners odds

Newcastle Jets - 2.70
Draw - 3.50
Central Coast Mariners - 2.45

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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.