Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Victory – A-League, March 27, 2021

It’s top against bottom in the A-League on Saturday, Match 27, as high-flying Central Coast welcomes struggling Melbourne Victory to Gosford.

The Mariners suffered just their fourth defeat of the season last time out, while Grant Brebner’s team heads into Saturday’s clash on the back of four straight losses.

In this Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Victory betting preview, I assess the bookmakers’ odds, give my prediction, and share my pick.

After quite some time, it finally feels as though 10bet is starting to take the Mariners seriously. As you can see, Central Coast is the clear favorite to win this one, leaving the Victory as the rank outsider.

This matchup has been a top vs. bottom encounter in recent seasons, except the Mariners were always at the opposite end of the table. But as things stand, Central Coast leads the Boys in Blue by a whopping 18 points.

Despite their best efforts, the Mariners were ultimately outclassed by Melbourne City on Monday. Alen Stajcic’s men have maintained a seriously high level throughout the campaign, yet they could not avoid defeat last time out.

For the first time this season, Central Coast failed to register a single shot on target at AAMI Park. Matt Simon, Marcos Urena, and Alou Kuol kept getting into promising positions, but they couldn’t find the finishing touch.

Still, the Mariners remain three points clear at the summit of the A-League ladder.

Nobody expected Stajcic’s men to be in the position they’re in right now, so they are obviously punching well above their weight. But having got themselves into such a strong situation, they will undoubtedly be desperate to remain competitive.

Thankfully, Melbourne Victory’s visit provides CCM with the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways and get straight back on track.

?️ "I’m not scared of anyone to be honest; we haven’t played anyone yet that in two matches has got the wood on us."

The boss was upbeat and confident after last night, and attentions now are on Saturday at home. #CCMFC #WontBackDown #CCMvMVC
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— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 23, 2021

Just when it looked as though Melbourne Victory’s season couldn’t possibly get any worse, they go and suffer a bruising 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Nix.

Following three straight losses, the Boys in Blue had the chance to rediscover some form against an indifferent Wellington team on Wednesday. But when they conceded two goals before half-time, another defeat was always on the cards.

Brebner’s men have now lost nine of their 12 games this season, including seven of their previous eight. To make matters worse, they have already conceded an unforgivable 30 goals this term (2.5 goals per game).

Having conceded a combined total of 17 goals across their previous four matches, it is almost impossible to see how the Victory are going to prevent the league’s second-highest scorers from hitting the back of the net on Saturday.

With just two wins to their name in 2021, the Boys in Blue have looked bereft of ideas in recent games.

Believe me – I didn’t enjoy betting against the Mariners earlier in the week. However, I just couldn’t see Melbourne City losing on Monday. But this weekend, I’m jumping back on the Central Coast bandwagon – and I recommend that you do the same!

We all know that Stajcic’s men are overachieving at the moment. Still, even if they’re not at their best on Saturday, they shouldn’t have any real problems when it comes to seeing off a woeful Melbourne Victory outfit.