Preview: Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United - prediction, team news, lineups

With either Melbourne City or Sydney FC waiting in the wings, both teams will be doing everything in this semi-final encounter to reach the final stage of the season.

Match preview

Central Coast Mariners put in a solid performance away from home last week to ensure that they head into Central Coast Stadium with a lead to protect.

It was a disastrous start to the first leg after Adelaide United took the lead in the fourth minute, but that did not stop Nick Montgomery's men from pushing back.

Goals from James McGarry and Jason Cummins provided an instant response in the first half, and now the team will be hoping to kick on in the second leg to ensure they will be in the Grand Final.

Central Coast Mariners were stronger at home throughout the main campaign, which should provide them with some confidence heading into this one that they can achieve another positive result.

The last time they hosted Adelaide United it resulted it in a 4-0 victory for Central Coast Mariners, and a repeat of that result would be welcomed in this one.

The visitors will be wary of the fact they have now been defeated by their opponents all three times they have competed this season, conceding 10 goals across those games while only scoring two themselves.

Adelaide United have struggled against Central Coast Mariners, and that is something that they must address if they want to be part of the Grand Final.

Defensively the team has dealt with issues against the Yellow & Navy, and away from home generally that has been an issue for them throughout the season.

No team in the top half of the table conceded more goals than Adelaide United in away matches which is something that they will have to consider heading into this game.

On the flip side, Adelaide United have scored more than any of those on the road, and in a game where goals are required for progression in the competition that is a crucial statistic in their favour.

Central Coast Mariners Australian A-League form:

W

W

D

W

W

W

Adelaide United Australian A-League form:

D

L

D

L

W

L

Team News

After a brilliant victory in the first leg of the semi-final, Central Coast Mariners have named an unchanged matchday squad as they continue to push to be in the Grand Final.

That means that the hosts will still be without Bradley Tapp who is a longer-term injury problem, and it is likely that the exact same starting XI could be used in this match.

Zac Clough was brought start back into the starting lineup for the visitors after his injury issues, and he should feature again in this match.

Hiroshi Ibusuki has been ruled out of this fixture due to an injury he suffered in their previous meeting, which will likely open up an opportunity for Moresche to start.

Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup:

Vukovic; Roux, Triantis, Kaltak, McGarry; Nkololo, Balard, Nisbet, Silvera; Cummings, Tulio

Adelaide United possible starting lineup:

Gauci; Lopez, Barr, Warland, Kitto; Isaias, D'Arrigo; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Moresche

We say: Central Coast Mariners 2-1 Adelaide United

With everything on the line, it is likely that there will be little to split the two teams in this match, but the poor away form of Adelaide United could be cause for concern.

The fact that Central Coast Mariners have now beaten their opponents three times this season should provide plenty of confidence as well, and that is why they will likely secure another win here.

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