Gold Coast vs Central Coast Mariners (rescheduled match) 22/02

Gold Coast United $5.50
Draw $3.80
Central Coast Mariners $1.58 

Skilled Park Stadium 7.05p.m Wed. 22/02/12


History and Stats;

9 games between these 2 with Central Coast having their noses in front winning 3 to Gold Coasts' 2 with 4 draws.

The last 2 meetings have produced 2 draws only 2 goals and notable they have both been at Gosford and Central Coast have been massive favourites both times. This is their 3rd meeting this season.

In their last meeting here Central Coast were the victors 3-1in February 2011.

Average goals scored in this fixture- 2.33


Current Form;

It has been a tumultuous week to say the least for the team from the Glitter strip. No more Miron Bleiberg as coach and it is hard to gauge just how much respect he did have from the playing group.
Their performance last week against Heart, whilst admirable, lacked any real cohesion and they never really looked as though they could win the game.
Back at home they are a better proposition ,with one or 2 regulars back but the confidence would stillhave to be at an all time low and spectator attendance for this one could very well be too.

Central Coast are still missing a couple of their good young players (especially goalkeeper Matt Ryan) but they appear to be back to something like their best judging on the win against Wellington Phoenix last week. They have more options in attack then they did a week or so ago, and their back 4 were back to keeping a clean sheet for the first time in a while in that game, so overall they should approach this game with a lot of confidence.

Prediction;

Impossible to tip against Central Coast who are back in from and are likely to up their performance level considering that a win here just about ensures them the A-League top spot this year.
Gold Coast are a bit of a bogey side for them though and have one or 2 notable absentees returning from injury, and have a young side with very little to lose. Add to that a high probablility of rain and late thunderstorms and just maybe things could be a little trickier than it might appear on paper.
I have to go with the Mariners though who are a far better team this year, have had a low key preparation compared to their opposition, and should back up well from the weekend given the work ethic of their coach Graham Arnold and their recent ordinary showing off a 2 week break. I'd expect a spirited effort from the home side but class and form should prevail here by possibly a 2 goal margin.

Betting Strategy;

Once again long term betting strategy dictates that you back the home team here at a very inflated price. A draw could possibly get to the required $4+ value too. But given the events of this week and the injury ravaged state of this Gold Coast outfit I couldn't recommend taking either. Central Coast by at least a goal, and although no price is yet available CC defender Patrick Zwaanswijk is normally around the $20 mark for first goalscorer. That is always value considering that he takes free kicks and often scores from headers at corner kicks. He already has 6 goals to his name this season which is an incredible return for a centre back.