Adelaide United vs. Central Coast Mariners Prediction – A-League (May 15, 2022)

On Sunday, May 15, Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners go head-to-head at Hindmarsh Stadium in the second elimination final of the 2022 A-League Finals Series.

The two sides were separated by a solitary point in the final A-League standings, with fourth-place Adelaide finishing just ahead of fifth-place Central Coast. It is also worth noting that both teams head into the finals on a five-game winning streak.

Keep reading to discover my Adelaide United vs. Central Coast Mariners prediction and betting pick. First, let’s assess the odds for Sunday’s showdown.

Although Betway views Adelaide United (2.15) as the favorite to win this clash, the high price for the home win suggests that Central Coast (2.87) is more than capable of upsetting the A-League odds this weekend.

Given that both sides have won each of their previous five matches, Sunday’s clash could go down to the wire. For that reason, the attractive price for the draw (3.75) is bound to attract plenty of attention here.

As you can see, the South Australians have dominated this fixture over the past few seasons – winning seven of the previous ten meetings. That said, they have not had it all their own way in recent times.

It is worth noting that the Mariners have won three of their previous six matches against Adelaide. Nick Montgomery’s men crushed the Reds 3-0 back in March, with Marcos Urena bagging a goal and two assists.

Before we get to my prediction for Adelaide United vs. Central Coast Mariners, we need to take a closer look at both sides.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Adelaide made a dreadful start to the 2021-22 campaign. Not only did they fail to win any of their opening five games, but they also managed to pick up just one victory in their first eight outings.

Since then, however, the Reds have been one of the most consistent teams in the A-League. Carl Veart’s boys have lost just five of their previous 18 league matches, picking up 11 wins and two draws in the process.

A run of one draw and three losses across March and April threatened to derail Adelaide’s season, but they bounced back in style. As I already, mentioned the South Australians head into the final on a five-game winning streak.

Having dispatched Macarthur FC (1-0), Sydney FC (3-2), Perth Glory (2-0), Brisbane Roar (2-0), and Western United (2-1) Veart’s boys will be brimming with belief as they prepare to welcome the Mariners to SA.

If you think Adelaide is in good form, wait until you learn about Central Coast’s recent record!

Like the Reds, the Mariners are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak. But that is only the beginning. When you look at the bigger picture, Montgomery’s men have lost just one of their previous 14 A-League clashes.

Having netted a whopping 29 goals across their last 11 games (2.6 goals per game), it’s no wonder that Montgomery’s men are the second-highest scorers in the A-League this season. Only Melbourne City has bagged more goals in 2021-22.

Jason Cummings (10 goals, 6 assists), Marcos Urena (7 goals, 6 assists), and Beni Nkololo (7 goals, 4 assists) have led the charge throughout the campaign. However, a new hero has emerged over the past couple of months.

Less than two months ago, the Coasties crushed Adelaide 3-0. If their current form is anything to go by, there is no reason why they can’t produce a similar scoreline on Sunday.

Not only have the Mariners won each of their last five games, but they have also lost just one of their previous 14. Of course, the Reds are also enjoying a hot streak at the moment. But it feels like the momentum is with Central Coast.

On top of that, Central Coast has netted 11 goals more than Adelaide this season. With the seemingly unstoppable Cummings leading the line, I can see the Coasties outscoring the South Australians.

Given the Mariners’ recent record, odds of 2.87 for them to beat Adelaide are too good to ignore. Of course, the South Australians are enjoying an impressive run of their own. But the Coasties are on a different level right now.

Are you planning to bet on Saturday’s elimination final between Western United vs. Wellington Phoenix? If so, check out my betting preview below.