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Tonight’s clash between Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers is without question the match of the round – just one point separates the two clubs as the race for the Premiers’ Plate heats up. We’ll have live scores and updates from 7.45pm AEDT.
While Ange Postecoglou has again worked wonders at Melbourne Victory, Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic have been the most consistent managers this season, getting the very best out of their no-frills squads.
Off the field though, it has been a very different story. The Mariners still struggle to pull in the crowds they deserve, while the Wanderers crowds have gone from strength to strength as excitement builds around the league’s newest arrival.
Indeed, there will be plenty of red and black amongst the yellow and blue of the home side tonight, with the Red and Black Bloc expected to be out in force.
You would expect Tony Popovic to start with an unchanged line-up after last week’s win. He has rotated his squad effectively this season but with such an important game, continuity might be wise for tonight’s clash, especially considering Graham Arnold’s squad are still recovering from their midweek clash in the Asian Champions League against Sumon Bluewings.
Only a few thousand Central Coast fans turned up for the ACL fixture, although tonight will be a very different story as if the Wanderers win tonight, they’ll move to the top of the table. Few of their fans will want to miss such an historic moment.
Tony Popovic joked during the week that the Mariners might be nervous playing in front of a big crowd. It won’t please Arnie’s men, who will be looking to prove a point against their upstart opponents.
With the two best defensive records in the competition, goals will be at a premium tonight. It will come down to which side capitalises on their chances.
With Daniel McBreen, Bernie Ibini and Mitchell Duke all dangerous in front of goal, the Mariners have an attacking edge over the Wanderers.
I’m tipping Central Coast to win this one. They will be full of confidence after their thrashing of the Melbourne Victory last weekend, and surely the Wanderers will have to slip up soon.
Whatever the result, it should be a fascinating contest.
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