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December 20 2024, 14:51 · Alex Lawes

Macarthur vs Central Coast Mariners Preview: Team News & Prediction

Macarthur vs Central Coast Mariners Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Macarthur have started the season quite steadily as they sit in the top-half of the 13-team A League table ahead of now facing last year’s regular season winners Central Coast Mariners.

Kick-off date/time: Monday 23rd December, 2024: UK – 8:00am / US ET – 3:00am / US PT – 12:00am

How to watch on TV/online: UK – YouTube / US – ESPN / Australia – Paramount+

Macarthur Team News: Couple of issues

Ahead of Macarthur’s clash with the Central Coast Mariners this weekend, the home team are dealing with a couple of issues ad defensive midfielder Kristian Popovic is sidelined alongside winger Chris Ikonomidis.

Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Kurto; Adamson, Uskok, Jones, Vujica; Drew, Brattan, Hollman, Jakolis; De Silva; Germain

Unavailable: Popovic (Injured), Ikonomidis (Injured)

Questionable: 

Central Coast Mariners Team News: Several injuries

There are several injury issues for the visitors to deal with this weekend as they face Macarthur. Experienced Australia international defender Trent Sainsbury is sidelined alongside Brad Tapp, Nicholas Duarte, Marco Tilio and Miguel Di Pizio. 

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Peraic-Cullen; Roux, Kaltack, Paull, Mauragis; Kuzevski, McCalmont, Steele, Theoharous; Doke, Kuol

Unavailable: Sainsbury (Injured), Tapp (Injured), Tilio (Injured), Di Pizio (Injured), Duarte (Injured)

Questionable: 

Macarthur vs Central Coast Mariners Prediction

The home team come into this one on the back of an excellent win away to Wellington Phoenix last weekend. Macarthur defeated the New Zealanders by two goals to one thanks to strikes from former Oympique de Marseille striker Valere Germain as well as a winner from Dean Bosnjak. They now face a Central Coast Mariners side that after finishing top of the 2023/24 A League now sit in the bottom-half of the 13-team table with just two victories in their opening seven matches. They most recently suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Adelaide United. Macarthur, with home advantage, would be a good value bet to side with for this one.

Macarthur vs Central Coast Mariners Tip: Double chance – Macarthur to win or draw