Match preview: Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners

Saturday’s afternoon clash could well be dubbed the ‘desperation derby’ given the struggles of both of these sides in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season.

Between them, the Wanderers (two) and Mariners (one) have managed just three wins in the first 17 rounds, meaning finals football is almost certainly out of the equation.

The goal for both sides over the next 10 rounds will be to finish strongly and avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

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For the Wanderers, they will be happy to have moved from ANZ Stadium – where they have lost seven games in a row – to Spotless Stadium, the scene of their last victory.

Last Friday night’s 5-1 hammering at the hands of Newcastle Jets was tough to take for Markus Babbel’s side, who you would think will want to respond for their home fans.

The last-placed Mariners – who are four points behind the Wanderers in eighth – surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2 against Melbourne Victory in their last clash.

Andrew Hoole, who scored two stunning free-kicks in that match – is in red-hot form right now and has scored the Mariners’ last three goals this season.

The aerial route could be the best avenue for both sides to get some joy, with both clubs conceding seven goals from headers this season, the most of any sides in the Hyundai A-League.

The Wanderers are likely to hand Mitch Duke – who scored just 21 seconds after coming off the bench last weekend – his starting debut for the club, likewise the Mariners with their star recruit Jem Karacan.

Key Opta stats

  • Western Sydney Wanderers have won their last three Hyundai A-League fixtures against Central Coast and will be aiming for a fourth consecutive win over the Mariners for the first time.
  • The Mariners have lost their last eight games away from home, their worst losing streak on the road in the Hyundai A-League; this is despite leading at half-time in three of their last four away games (D1).
  • The Wanderers have recorded 91 shots on target this season in the A-League; only Melbourne Victory (96) have managed more.

Ins and outs

Western Sydney Wanderers FC squad: 5.Brendan HAMILL, 8.Jordan O’DOHERTY, 9.Oriol RIERA, 10.Alex BAUMJOHANN, 11.Bruce KAMAU, 12.Mitchell DUKE, 13.Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 16.Jaushua SOTIRIO, 17.Keanu BACCUS, 18.Marc TOKICH, 20.Vedran JANJETOVIC (gk), 21.Tarek ELRICH, 24.Raul LLORENTE, 27.Kwame YEBOAH, 28.Roly BONEVACIA, 33.Tate RUSSELL, 34.Patrick ZIEGLER, 40.Nicholas SUMAN (gk)  **two to be omitted**

Ins: 10.Alex BAUMJOHANN (returns from injury), 13.Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS (promoted), 34.Patrick ZIEGLER (returns from injury)
Outs: 4.Josh RISDON (injury – four weeks)
Unavailable: 19.Mark BRIDGE (injury – one week) 

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1.Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2.Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITS, 3.Jack CLISBY, 6.Tom HIARIEJ, 7.Andrew HOOLE, 8.Michael McGLINCHEY, 10.Tommy OAR, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Adam PEARCE (gk), 13.Aiden O’NEILL, 15.Kye ROWLES, 18.Matt MILLAR, 19.Matt SIMON (c), 23.Mario SHABOW, 25.Jordan MURRAY, 28.Sam GRAHAM, 29.Stephen MALLON, 68.Jem KARACAN  **two to be omitted**

Ins: 23.Mario SHABOW (return from injury), 28.Sam GRAHAM (new signing), 29.Stephen MALLON (new signing)
Outs: 22.Jacob MELLING (suspended – 1 week – accumulation of yellow cards)
Unavailable: 21.Corey GAMEIRO (calf) & 4.Jake McGING (hamstring)

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5997323852001

How to watch

Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch this basement battle from 5.35pm (AEDT). while you can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App or watch it by subscribing to Kayo Sports.

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Tickets

Be there as the Wanderers and Mariners look to record a rare win by CLICKING HERE to secure your seat at Spotless Stadium.

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