Bitesize Prediction: Central Coast Mariners vs Brisbane Roar – 31/12/25

Competition: A-League

Market: Justin Vidic over 0.5 shots on target

Odds: 1/2 @ 1xBet

Two camps who find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the A-League standings, Brisbane will travel to Gosford on New Year’s Eve when they meet Central Coast.

Starting with the hosts, opening up the 2025/26 campaign with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Newcastle back in October, Central Coast knew that stability was key this time around. However, once again showing a string of glaring issues this season, the former A-League champions sit rock-bottom of the table and find themselves at the heart of a real crisis. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they fell to a routine 3-1 loss away at Wellington, Warren Moon’s men have put just eight points on the board and have come under serious scrutiny. Including consecutive 2-1 defeats against Auckland and Sydney, the Gosford-based outfit have lost all of their last three straight A-League appearances by an aggregate score of 7-3. Likewise, registering just a single win since the opening weekend, Central Coast have also gained a reputation for their extended defensive issues. It should be highlighted, Wednesday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets over the past 11 months.

As for the visitors, while Brisbane might have spent the whole of last season battling it out at the foot of the A-League table, the Lions have made plenty of improvements this time around. Opening Wednesday’s trip to Gosford sat in the play-off places, Michael Valkanis’ side will also know that a victory here could see them skyrocket their way into silver medal position. However, suffering a late collapse away at Macarthur last time out as they fell to a 2-1 loss, the Queensland-based outfit will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, losing just one of their previous seven A-League showdowns, Brisbane should be excited by their recent record against Wednesday’s opponents. Including a 2-1 win when they last travelled to Central Coast back on May 2nd, they have won their previous two meetings by an aggregate score of 4-1. Despite struggling to find much stability on their travels so far this season, the Lions should be smelling a real opportunity.

Bet: Justin Vidic over 0.5 shots on target against Central Coast Mariners 1/2 for Wednesday’s A-League battle @ 1xBet