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It’s an all-NSW clash as the A-League rings in 2015. Join The Roar from 7.30pm AEDT for our live scores and coverage of the match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners.
Almost two years ago the Mariners downed the Wanderers to win their first A-League Championship, and several months back the Western Sydney team were the toast of Asia. It was the highest of highs for both clubs who have had their fair share of struggles this domestic season.
The Wanderers are yet to win a game, their coach is constantly linked to foreign postings, and there has been a dispute over player payments on the eve of their appearance in the Club World Cup. While the Mariners have battled constant speculation over their playing future, and crowd numbers.
All in all, both teams will be happy to get back on the pitch and do what they do best; play football, and get 2015 off to a bright start.
The Wanderers currently sit in last place on the ladder and are coming off a 1-nil loss to Wellington, while the eighth placed Mariners broke the shackles of their recent goal-scoring woes with a highly entertaining 3-all draw against Brisbane in Gosford.
The Mariners welcome back Nick Montgomery into the squad, but lose Kim Seung-Yong who has left the club by mutual consent. The Korean finished with a goal against Brisbane, but has chosen to pursue opportunities closer to his homeland.
Despite struggling for results this season, the Mariners have at times looked good in patches. Matt Simon has been an extremely important inclusion for the side. He has not only added 3 goals, but his work-rate and energy has taken pressure off Mitchell Duke and others in the side to allow them to play their own game.
One thing that is really letting the Mariners down is their defence, and this will be something that they will need to work on during the A-League break. Indeed the opportunity to have a break and reassess could really favour both these sides setting them up for a strong finish to the season.
To win against the Wanderers, the Mariners will have to play with an attacking mindset just as they did against Brisbane.
The Wanderers will be without Tomi Juric and Matthew Spiranovic who are on international duty, but welcome back Nikolai Topor-Stanley from suspension.
Goal-scoring has been a problem for them all season, and they will need to take any opportunity against the Mariners if they are to win their first game of the season.
Playing at home is a huge advantage for the Wanderers, and this could be a telling factor if the game is close.
Likely Result:
Clashes between these two teams are always tight; so far there have been 3 wins apiece, and three draws, including a nil-all draw the last time they met in November.
Mariners to spring a New Year’s upset. 1-nil
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