Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City – A-League, February 3, 2021

It’s fair to say that both Central Coast and Melbourne City have made an inconsistent start to the 2020/21 A-league season.
Both sides have recorded two wins and two defeats so far, although an extra win for the Mariners sees them sitting three points ahead of City in the table.
Can Patrick Kisnorbo’s men close the gap? Keep reading to see my Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City prediction and betting pick.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City Odds
As expected, Melbourne City (2.05) is the favorite to win this one. That said, the high price for the away win points towards a difficult fixture for last season’s runner-up.
The top online betting sites view the Mariners (3.45) as the outsiders here, although they will surely be confident of holding City to a draw (3.50) on Wednesday.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City Preview
The Mariners only managed to win five of their 26 A-League games last season, conceding a whopping 55 goals along the way. The 2020/21 campaign is only five games old, yet Alen Stajcic’s men have already secured three victories.
After clinching back-to-back wins over Newcastle Jets and Macarthur FC, the Yellow & Navy suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers. However, CCM quickly returned to winning ways by sealing a shock 2-0 victory over defending champs Sydney FC.
But despite notching up 23 shots in their previous outing, the Mariners were eventually beaten 2-1 by Wellington Phoenix.
Following a memorable strike against Sydney FC, young forward Alou Kuol scored again last time out. The 19-year-old has already netted three goals this term and is fast becoming one of Central Coast’s most important players.
The Mariners suffered two heavy losses to Melbourne City last season, yet it feels like they are in a far stronger position right now.
Didn't see @MelbourneCity and @PerthGloryFC in action last night?
— A-League (@ALeague) January 31, 2021
Catch the highlights on YouTube ? https://t.co/HHyToC9IUR#ALeague #MCYvPER pic.twitter.com/zoea1c0K4N
By contrast, it seems as though Patrick Kisnorbo’s men are struggling to rediscover the kind of form that helped them to push Sydney FC all the way throughout 2019/20.
City has already picked up wins over Brisbane Roar and Western United this season. However, defeats to Adelaide United and Perth Glory suggest that last year’s runner-up could struggle to challenge for the title this time around.
Thankfully, Jamie Maclaren has picked up where he left off last term. The 2019/20 top scorer has racked up two goals and one assist in four outings this season, with back-to-back goals in his previous two appearances.
But despite equalizing for his side last time out, he was unable to prevent a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Perth Glory.
Kisnorbo’s men can take confidence from the fact that they have secured three straight high-scoring victories over CCM. Still, I don’t think they will find life too easy on Wednesday.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City Prediction and Pick
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The Draw3.50
Having taken everything into consideration, I’m expecting both sides to pick up their first draw of the season on Wednesday. Right now, I really don’t think there is much to separate these two teams.
Of course, Melbourne City will be expected to take the game to the Mariners. But I’m confident that the hosts will be able to snatch a point on home soil.
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