Preview: Sydney FC vs. Central Coast Mariners - prediction, team news, lineups

While the visitors sit six places above their opponents in the A-League table, they have now gone two consecutive matches without three points.

Match preview

The pressure was slightly lifted from Steve Corica's shoulders last weekend after he witnessed his team defeat Melbourne Victory by two goals to one, despite the fact they fell behind in the game.

Goals from Max Burgess and Adam le Fondre secured the crucial win for Sydney FC, bringing an end to the difficult run of form that they had heading into that fixture.

The focus for the Sky Blues now turns to creating some positive consistency for themselves in an effort to try and start climbing up the division from their current eighth place.

A victory this weekend could see them climb as high as fifth depending on other results, but it would require them to win consecutive games for the first time since August.

Considering their poor home form this season has seen them win just a single game, the odds may not be in their favour, especially against a team competing at the top end of the table.

Central Coast Mariners are currently in second place and just five points behind the league leaders who are in a difficult run of form themselves, which is something they have failed to capitalise on recently.

While Melbourne City have been dropping points with a trio of draws, Nick Montgomery's men have also been struggling to pick up points to close that gap.

A defeat against Wellington Phoenix was followed up by a draw last weekend when Central Coast Mariners were held by Western Sydney Wanderers.

While Samuel Silvera had initially given his team the lead, they ended up having to fight to just take a point after falling behind until Jason Cummings scored an important equaliser.

The Yellow & Navy have had mixed form away from home this season, winning and losing two games as they drew the other, but that is something they will need to change if they want to maintain a title threat throughout the campaign.

Sydney FC Australian A-League form:

L

W

L

D

L

W

Central Coast Mariners Australian A-League form:

L

W

W

W

L

D

Team News

Sydney FC had positive transfer news in midweek as Joel King was re-signed to the club on a loan deal, and he could end up being placed immediately into the starting XI this weekend.

King could work alongside Alex Wilkinson who has been making a big impact from a defensive perspective since returning to the side.

Cummings will be hoping to have earned a place back in the team on Saturday for the visitors after he scored the equaliser as a substitute last time out.

The club have been busy in the transfer market lately as well though as Kelechi John has departed, while Dylan Wenzel-Halls was brought in to bolster the attacking options available.

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:

Redmayne; Grant, Donachie, Wilkinson, Caballo; Caceres, Brattan, Burgess; Lolley, Mak; Le Fondre

Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup:

Vukovic; Roux, Triantis, Kaltak, Farrell; Nkololo, Nisbet, Steele, Kuol; Theoharous, Cummings

We say: Sydney FC 1-1 Central Coast Mariners

When looking at the league table Central Coast Mariners seem like the obvious favourites, but their recent form and mixed performances away from home could make this a tricky test for them.

Sydney FC will look to take advantage of that, and with some momentum from last weekend they could end up earning a point here.

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