Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Prediction | A-League 2021-22

Anthony Caceres of Sydney FC competes with Josh Nisbet of Central Coast Mariners
Anthony Caceres of Sydney FC competes with Josh Nisbet of Central Coast Mariners - IMAGO / AAP

Central Coast Mariners will host last season’s runners-up Sydney FC in Sunday’s A-League fixture.

Venue: Central Coast Stadium

Key statistics

  • Central Coast Mariners have lost three of their last four home matches in all competitions
  • Sydney FC have won four of their last six away games in all competitions.
  • Sydney are yet to win a game this season, having drawn two and lost one in three games.
  • Mariners, who have managed one victory in three games, are 10th in the A-League table, a place above Sydney.

Head to Head record

Sydney have an impressive record against Central Coast Mariners, winning 23 out of the 47 games played between the two sides. Mariners have managed only 11 wins.

Latest performances in all competitions

Central Coast Mariners: W W L W L

Sydney FC: D W L D W

Central Coast Mariners

Central Coast Mariners started off the campaign on an impressive note, defeating Newcastle Jets 2-1.

However, they have failed to win either of the following two games and they are currently 10th in the League table.

Mariners’ last A-League fixture ended in a 1-0 defeat to Macarthur FC, with Oliver Bozanic scoring an own goal.

However, they have booked their place in the FFA Cup quarter-finals after beating Wollongong Wolves 2-1 in the round of 16.

The home side have a fully-fit squad heading into Sunday’s A-League clash against Sydney FC.

Possible Central Coast Mariners line-up

Mark Birighitti; Jacob Farrell, Kye Rowles, Lewis Miller, Storm Roux; Max Balard, Oliver Bozanic, Beni N’Kololo, Josh Nisbet; Marco Urena, Matt Simon

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Sydney FC

Sydney FC have experienced a difficult start to the new season, failing to win any of the three games they have played so far (D2 L1).

Nonetheless, they picked up their first win of the season after defeating Macarthur FC 2-0 in the FFA Cup round of 16 on Wednesday. James Donachie and Harry Van der Saag scored the goals for the Sky Blues in extra time.

Sydney should have gained enough confidence after the win and they would be looking to open their account in A-League when they visit Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.

Veteran striker Adam le Fondre has already racked up a goal and an assist and he is expected to make a big impact this season.

Another experienced striker Bobo is set to return for the first time this season after a brief lay-off due to a calf injury. 

Possible Sydney FC line-up: Andrew Redmayne; Joel King, Ben Warland, Alex Wilkinson, Rhyan Grant; Anthony Caceres, Paulo Retre, Elvis Kamsoba, Milos Ninkovic; Trent Buhagiar, Adam Le Fondre

Injured: Luke Brattan

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Prediction: Central Coast Mariners 1 – 2 Sydney FC