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Central Coast Mariners
2
Match Complete
Perth Glory
2
| M. Simon |  | 91' | ||
| 76' | | N. D'Agostino | ||
| M. Simon |  | 69' | ||
| 69' | | D. Lachman | ||
| 41' | | B. Fornaroli | ||
| J. Clisby | | 33' | ||
| M. UreA+-a | | 25' | ||
| 16' | | D. Ingham |
| 14 | Shots | 8 | ||
| 7 | On Target | 3 | ||
| 12 | Fouls | 6 | ||
| 4 | Corners | 3 | ||
| 2 | Offsides | 3 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
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The Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory will go head to head in a crucial game for both teams when they clash at Central Coast Stadium this afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 4:05pm (AEDT).
The Mariners have had a fantastic campaign thus far, winning eight games, the same amount they’ve won in their previous two seasons. They have shown a clinical ability that has been lacking with Matt Simon scoring five goals in 11 games, with the best goal-to-game ratio of his career since the 2011-12 season.
The Mariners have found themselves on par with their expected goals for the first time in multiple seasons – they’ve scored 13 goals from an xG of 12.6. Mark Birighitti has also been a difference maker yet again. While the Mariners have conceded eight goals, they have an expected conceded goal tally of 10.8.
Overall, the Mariners deserve to be top of the ladder. Alen Stajcic has found comfort in a 4-4-2 made up of mainly the same starting 11 – stability that was lacking last season.
However, they will likely continue to be without Gianni Stensness for one or two more weeks. The New Zealand midfielder was absent from their last match-day squad due to an injury to his lower leg, but it doesn’t seem to be anything too major for Alen Stajcic to consider.
Meanwhile, Perth Glory have been the entertainment team of the league so far. They began their season with a 5-3 win before losing 5-4 to Western United. There have been 37 goals in their first nine games – an average of an astonishing 4.1 goals per game.
They have scored 19 goals so far, placing them in second for goals scored, behind only their opponents for this fixture.
Interestingly, Perth have done so with the least shots so far this season, adding to the many statistical and tactical quirks in their season so far.
It will be interesting to see how Diego Castro fairs up against Stefan Nigro and Josh Nisbet, assuming Castro continues to play the inside left play-making position that Milos Ninkovic plays for Sydney FC.
Castro is one of the most creative players in the league, but Josh Nisbet has been hailed for his defensive performances so far this season – in particular the ability to win tackles while his opponent has the ball with their back to goal, using his balance and agility to hook himself in front of the attacker.
Prediction
Overall, Central Coast Mariners verus Perth Glory promises to be an intriguing game – one that is hopefully full of good football and goals.
However, the Mariners will extend their lead on top through this fixture. They have what it takes to stifle Perth Glory’s attack, keep a clean sheet and score.
Kick-off time: 4:05pm (AEDT)
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
TV: Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go, MyFootball Live app
Betting: Mariners $2.20, Glory $2.96, draw $3.50 (odds via PlayUp)
Central Coast Mariners
Mark Birighitti, Lewis Miller, Josh Nisbet, Stefan Nigro, Gianni Stensness, Stefan Jankovic, Oliver Bozanic (c), Daniel De Silva, Jack Clisby, Marco Urena, Daniel Bouman, Kye Rowles, Matt Simon, Adam Perace, Ruon Tongyik, Michael Janota, Daniel Hall, Matthew Hatch, Jaden Casella, Alou Kuol, Jordan Smylie, Damian Tsekenis, Max Balard
Perth Glory
Tando Velahpi, Sebastian Langkamp, Jonathan Aspropotamitis, Osama Maliuk, Chris Ikonomidis, Kosuke Ota, Bruno Fornaroli, Andy Keogh, Cameron Cook, Luke Bodnar, Brandon Wilson, Nick Sullivan, Diego Castro (c), Nicholas D’Agostino, Callum Timmins, Carlo Armiento, Bryce Bafford, Joshua Rawlins, Dane Ingham, Daniel Stynes, Nicholas Walsh, Giordano Colli, Trent Ostler, Darryl Lachman, Daniel Walsh, Liam Reddy, Mason Tatafu, Riley Warland, Neil Kilkenny
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