Auckland FC

vs

Central Coast Mariners

Preview

Auckland FC

• Auckland FC lead the A-League standings with 24 points from 13 games.
• The team have been the best in the league this season but their form has been erratic of late.
• They beat Brisbane Roar FC 2-0 away, then lost 2-1 at Melbourne City FC in their next match.
• The Kiwi club have won three, drawn one and lost two of their six home matches this season.
• They average 1.50 goals for and 1.33 goals against at home.

Central Coast Mariners

• Central Coast Mariners sit 11th with 12 points from 13 matches.
• The Mariners have won just once in their last three away games.
• They were beaten 3-0 at Perth Glory last weekend and drew 1-1 at home with Macarthur FC.
• Warren Moon has done a good job since his appointment but still has work to steady the squad.

Head-to-Head

• Auckland FC have won two of the last three meetings between the clubs.
• The most recent meeting ended 2-1 to Auckland away five weeks ago.

Key Players

• Lachlan Brook
  • Lachlan Brook is Auckland FC’s main goal threat, top-scoring for the club in the A-League with six goals from 13 appearances.
  • He has scored three of Auckland’s last five goals.
• Sabit James Ngor
  • Sabit James Ngor is Central Coast’s main source of goals, netting four in 13 A-League appearances.
  • He has been directly involved in nearly half of his side’s last five goals, scoring three.

Betting Insights

• Bookmakers make Auckland FC strong favourites at 1.36 versus the Mariners at 8.75.
• Central Coast have scored eight times on the road this season.
• Auckland average 1.50 goals per match at home and both sides have attacking tendencies.
• The market offers 1.65 on over 2.5 goals, which looks attractive given both teams’ tendencies.

Prediction

• Back Auckland FC to take the three points at home.
• Expect a match with goals, so consider over 2.5 goals.