Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Sydney start the season after an absolutely dour build-up. Their pre-season cup was nothing short of a disaster, being outplayed by a misfiring Queensland, walloped by new boys Wellington, stuffed at home by the Mariners, beaten by Newcastle Jets before finally registering a win away to Melbourne victory. Their friendly results have been nothing to write home about either. Injury and illness have also taken their toll, midfielders Robbie Middleby and Adam Casey are both nursing knocks while Mark Milligan is bed ridden with a virus.
Central Coast began pre-season with far more promising results, wins over Wellington and Sydney, plus a draw against Queensland., before an unusually average performance against Perth and their annual loss to bogey team Queensland Roar. Former Sydney forward Sasho Petrovski has been striking up a great working relationship with Nik Mrdja during pre-season with both in great form. The only injury concern the Mariners have is central defender Paul O'Grady who will definitely miss out, everyone else has overcome various niggling injuries to be ready for this game.
A Sydney team in poor form and with a spate of injuries may not be able to cope with a Mariners team who are full of confidence after a largely successful pre-season campaign.
Sydney FC v
CC Mariners - 1 point @ 3.40 (
Centrebet/Canbet)
Australian Hyundai A-League
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