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
MatthewSkellett
Guest
The end-of-game verbal clash between Shannon Cole and members of the RBB was a thing I'd thought I'd never see. It shows to me how in a relatively short space of time the former great friendship between the Team and it's supporters has become but a memory . No longer the happy line of players interfacing in joyous rapture with their fans , in fact it looks like the complete opposite .A situation in which the Fans lose faith in their team is a potential death knell for a club , any club and it looks like that's the situation for the Wanderers.. For the game itself the commentators remarked that the Wanderers were "just going through the motions " and they were right . There was no punch, no audacious moves no menace towards the opposition in their play -just another luke-warm serving of mediocrity - I don't know what has to change to turn this around but it better happen fast or even the 14,000 average crowds will be just a memory too.
jamesb
Guest
What are the odds of no NSW teams in the finals?
Red wire-Blue wire
Guest
They could've played for another 90mins & there'd still be no goals. How Shannon Cole is A-league standard is beyond me.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining The Roar's live blog tonight. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Western Sydney Wanderers 0 Central Coast Mariners 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Both sides will be in action for Round 14. The Mariners host Melbourne City on Sunday, while the Wanderers will meet Melbourne Victory on Tuesday.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The result doesn't do much to the ladder. The Mariners remain in 8th spot, while the Wanderers continue to anchor the foot of the ladder as they search for their first win.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The match has ended all square in a game that never really reached any great heights. It certainly was a reflection of where the two teams are at the moment. Although the Mariners would be happier than the Wanderers given that they were playing away from home.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Better than a loss for the Mariners. They've started late, but many of their seasons have been built on a good run of tied scores.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Surely ranks as one of the worst HAL games this season.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: That's it Western Sydney Wanderers 0 Central Coast Mariners 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
93' Bridge fires wide after the Wanderers are able to regain possession. Claims a corner, but doesn't get the decision.
jamesb
Guest
Another disappointing draw between these two sides coming up. Only one win between so far this season.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
91' Hutchinson takes one for the team as he pulls down Rukavytsya. Yellow card for the skipper. WSW 0 MARINERS 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
There will be a minimum of 4 minutes of stoppage time to be played.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Hang in there Mariners!
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
88' Mariners enjoying the bulk of the possession at the moment. WSW 0 MARINERS 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
86' Trajkovski comes on for his A-League debut replacing Haliti. It's a special moment for the 17-year-old, good luck.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
84' - Yellow for Cole and yellow for Duke as they tangle. A fair decision
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Thanks for tonight's call Liam -- the Mariners will be happy with another draw!
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
83' La Rocca is down getting treatment after colliding Duke.