Aust. A-League
2013-02-07 - Central Coast Mariners vs Wellington Phoenix
A Sports Betting Pick by DownUnder
Football : Australia : A-League
Date: Thursday, February 7, 2013
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT , 7:00 GMT
Venue: Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Form:
Central Coast Mariners: DWDDW
Home record - 8 played -- 7 wins 1 draw 0 losses (18:5)
Wellington Phoenix: WDLLL
Away record - 9 played -- 1 win 2 draws 6 losses (11:22)
Central Coast Mariners (1st)
The Central Coast were given a scare against the Roar last week, coming back to clinch a draw. But the Central Coast just keep rolling on and nothing seems to faze them. They’re a team that plays to a pattern, and results just seem to fall into place.
A lot has been said about the effect Rogic’s transfer to Celtic will have for the Coast but in my mind Michael McGlinchey has made the Mariners' midfield his own, not only is he setting up golden boot contender Daniel McBreen, but he has got in on the action himself and has scores 2 goals in as many games.
The Mariners have a great record against the Phoenix, having picked up 19 out of a possible 21 points in the past seven matches between the two sides.
Expect a clinical Mariner performance, less than 3 points from this game for the Mariners would be considered an opportunity squandered.
Wellington Phoenix (9th)
The Phoenix have picked up 4 out of 6 possible points in their last 2 (home) games which moved them off the bottom of the table, but they are really up against it in this away fixture to the Central Coast who boast an unbeaten home record so far this season.
The Phoenix’s only claim to fame on the road was back in November when they picked up a win and a draw at middle of the table opposition.
Wellington have netted just four goals in their past six matches, but Brockie got back on the score sheet against Perth last time out.
His new found confidence can be put down to the great balls in from Muscat who has returned from 3 match suspension and Cernak who has just arrived in the transfer window.
Whilst Ifill still has the ability to conjure a bit of magic, he is a bit part player since recovering from ankle surgery. It’s a balancing act for Coach Ricki Herbert because he needs points now, but also needs a fit Ifill for those matches at the end of the season.
The biggest worry for Coach Ricki Herbert is who will replace the suspended (5th yellow) Ben Sigmund in central defence.
Ian Hogg's debut against Perth was a baptism of fire and he was a little overwhelmed in defence, lets hope getting that game under his belt has settled his nerves, because if not, he will be torched by the striking calibre the central coast have on offer.
Head to Head
Played: 17
Wins: Central Coast 9, Wellington 5.
Draws: 3
Previous encounter
Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Central Coast, December 22, 2012
The Betting Verdict
The bookies have it as a home win at $ 1.40, and that’s understandable when there is such a mismatch of talent on display. That might be alright as a banker in a combo, but let’s see if we can sweeten the pot.
I don’t see the flood gates opening and a goal fest as some have predicted, just a morale boosting 3 points for the Mariners.
The Mariners have had to scrap for points lately, either coming back from behind, or scoring late winners, but that was against better opposition than the phoenix.
Expect the Mariners to stifle the midfield and close up shop once that first goal goes in. I‘d have this won by the Mariners in the first 20 mins.
The Pick :
Central Coast Mariners 3 - 0 Wellington Phoenix
BEST BETTING TIP :
Shrimp on the Barbie (main bet)Take Central Coast the only team to score @ $2.10 at Bet365
And if you after a double helping (2nd bet)
Take Central Coast / Central Coast in a HT/FT bet @ $2.25 at Paddy Power
