Preview: Wellington Phoenix vs. Central Coast Mariners - prediction, team news, lineups

Both head into this game with plenty of momentum on the back of victories which they will now be ready to kick on from.

Match preview

Wellington Phoenix have the chance to put some pressure on their opponents in the league table this weekend, as a win would put them just two points behind Central Coast Mariners.

They head into this match on the back of consecutive wins where they have showcased their defensive qualities with clean sheets in each of them.

Oskar Zawada scored the only goal of the game against Brisbane Roar last weekend, with that being the second 1-0 they have secured in a row, showcasing their ability to fight through close encounters.

However, at home Wellington Phoenix have struggled for consistency with two wins and losses as well as three draws.

A big problem throughout those games has been their defensive issues, conceding more goals at home than any other team this season which they will be hoping to turn around after their recent efforts.

The visitors have had no problem finding the back of the net though as no team has scored more goals throughout this campaign than Central Coast Mariners.

Marco Tulio and Jason Cummings both got on the scoresheet in their previous match against Macarthur FC, securing a 2-1 win in the process.

The team have now scored eight goals in their previous three matches, and that level of confidence is something that will likely help to cause problems this weekend.

Central Coast Mariners are second in the table right now, and with just four points between them and Melbourne City there is an opportunity to place real pressure on them here.

Nick Montgomery will be hoping to see his team have a little more control this time around though, as they struggled in the second half against Macarthur FC.

Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

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Central Coast Mariners Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Zawada will likely be leading the line for Wellington Phoenix this Saturday as he is fresh from scoring the winner last weekend.

The host will also be able to welcome Bozhidar Kraev and Nicholas Pennington back into the squad this time after they served suspensions.

There could be question marks over Samuel Silvera for the visitors this weekend after he had to limp off with a leg injury late in the second half against Macarthur.

When it comes to the attacking options it will be Cummings who leads the line for Central Coast Mariners with his recent goalscoring form breeding confidence into the team.

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Elliot, Wootton, Payne, Mauragis; Yan Sasse, Lewis, Ugarkovic, Rufer; Ball, Zawada

Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup:

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

We say: Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Central Coast Mariners

Wellington Phoenix have shown their defensive qualities as of late, but they come up against the strongest attacking team in the division this weekend which could be difficult.

The visitors should have enough attacking quality to cause some real problems here and will likely take the win.

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