Central Coast Mariners vs. Western United – A-League, February 7, 2021

Should we be taking Central Coast a bit more seriously!?

The Mariners came from two goals down to beat Melbourne City on Wednesday, picking up their fourth win of the season in the process. After finishing rock bottom of the A-League table last year, Alen Stajcic’s men now find themselves leading the way in 2021.

At the other end of the standings, a run of one win in four games means that Western United is only one point ahead of last-place Newcastle.

The two sides clash at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, January 7. If you’re planning to wager on the match, make sure you check out my Central Coast Mariners vs. Western United prediction and betting pick below.

Despite their excellent start to the season, it still doesn’t feel like the online betting sites see the Mariners (2.85) as serious contenders this year.

Central Coast is already seven points ahead of Western United (2.30), yet the bookmakers view the visitors as favorites to win this one. That said, the price for the away victory is notably high.

Having finished bottom of the table in each of the previous three campaigns, nobody was expecting the Mariners to do anything out of the ordinary this season.

However, they have proved their doubters wrong in style!

Following victories over Newcastle, Macarthur, and Sydney FC, the Yellow & Navy’s hot streak continued on Wednesday, with goals from Jaden Casella, Matt Simon, and Daniel De Silva securing a remarkable comeback win against Melbourne City.

Nobody can argue that Central Coast hasn’t deserved their victories this year. Alen Stajcic’s men have started the season in eye-catching fashion – dominating their opponents on almost every occasion.

Narrow defeats to WSW and the Nix prove that there is still plenty of room for improvement. However, the Mariners could not have dreamed of a better start to 2021.

Daniel DeSilva, take a bow!
The match winner from #CCMvMCY
See you on Sunday ?? https://t.co/8tAzJccrrB

? @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/RwcaoSVYBr

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) February 4, 2021

Meanwhile, Western United would have been hoping to kick off the new campaign in a similar style. But unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

The Green & Black has only managed to win one of their four games this term, with that 5-4 win against Perth Glory going down as one of the craziest A-League matches of all time.

After drawing with Adelaide United and losing to Melbourne City, Mark Rudan would have been desperate for his side to beat Victory last time out. But despite controlling much of the match, United was forced to settle for a goalless draw.

The Green & Black had a couple of goals ruled out by VAR, while Alessandro Diamanti hit the crossbar on two separate occasions last weekend. But it just wasn’t mean to be for United.

Now, Rudan’s men must face the league’s in-form team.

I’m going against the bookies here and backing the Mariners to maintain their hot streak this weekend. The team has so much momentum at the moment, making this a tall order for Western United.

Following a promising maiden campaign in the A-League, the Green & Black seems to be suffering from a bad case of second-season syndrome. I can see Rudan’s men struggling to deal with the Mariners’ eagerness on Sunday.