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Match Preview: Central Coast v Wanderers

The Western Sydney Wanderers are winless in three consecutive A-League Men games going into their Industree Group Stadium match against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.

Central Coast Mariners are in second place on 22 points, five points behind first-placed Melbourne City through 13 matches. Central Coast were defeated 2-1 in their last A-League Men match at Sky Stadium against Wellington Phoenix, ending a three-match winning streak.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ last A-League Men match resulted in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium to extend their winless streak to three (W0 D2 L1)

When the two sides last met in A-League Men action, Central Coast were victorious 3-0 at CommBank Stadium in November. Michael Ruhs led Mariners with two goals, netting in the 66th and 72nd minute. Samuel Silvera also was on the scoresheet.

Central Coast have got the better of Wanderers of late, unbeaten in their last four A-League Men matches (W2 D2 L0). Wanderers are looking for their first league win in games between the two sides since January 2021. Mariners have outscored the Wanderers 9-4 during their unbeaten streak.

The form of Jason Cummings has been irreplaceable for Central Coast this season. The striker is the team’s leading scorer with seven goals, which is the second highest in the competition in 2022/2023.

Oliver Bozanic, Brandon Borrello, and Yeni N’Gbakoto have been Western Sydney Wanderers’ most prolific players this campaign, netting three, three, and two times, respectively.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 22: Oliver Bozanic of Western Sydney celebrates his goal with team mates during the round 13 A-League Men’s match between Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers at McDonald Jones Stadium, on January 22, 2023, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

On home soil this season, Central Coast have five wins and three losses in eight A-League Men contests. Mariners will be out to prolong a four-match home winning streak dating to December 2022 against Sydney.

In league matches away from home this season, Wanderers have two wins, three draws, and two losses. The Wanderers currently find themselves on a five-match away winless streak (W0 D3 L2). They haven’t won away since November 2022 against Sydney.

In their last six league matches, Central Coast have won four and lost two. Wanderers, meanwhile, have won one, drawn three and lost two in their last six.