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The Central Coast Mariners need to beat Beijing Guan tonight if they hope to qualify for the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEDT.
The Mariners’ 2-1 defeat to Beijing in China has left the reigning A-League champions in a vulnerable position heading into tonight’s crucial encounter. Currently sitting last in their group, another defeat tonight for the Mariners could spell the end of their campaign in the Asian Champions League.
Beijing will prove no easy beats however, given how they outplayed the Mariners in China. Beijing managed to control possession very well and they created plenty of goal-scoring chances against the Mariners at home.
The Central Coast however, should be expected to come out with a lot more purpose in attack given that tonight’s contest really is a must-win match.
In their past two Asian Champions League matches, the Mariners have opted to play on the counter attack against Beijing and Sanfrecce Hiroshima respectively. Such a strategy worked wonders against Sanfrecce but it remains to be seen if such play will be replicated against Beijing.
Anything less than a win for the Mariners will hurt their chances of qualification to the knockout stages, so expect the Central Coast to try and dictate terms in possession.
Beijing however, are a fine counter-attacking outfit and will hurt the Mariners if the home side presses too high up the pitch. Indeed, Beijing’s second goal against the Mariners several weeks ago was a product of the Chinese outfit playing through a Mariners’ high defensive line that was caught with its pants down.
Given that the Mariners need a win, expect an entertaining and potentially high scoring-contest between two teams in pretty good form.
Beijing’s prowess on the counter however may just see them secure a valuable score draw.
Mariners and Beijing to draw 2-2