Bitesize Prediction: Central Coast Mariners vs Macarthur FC – 20/04/25

Competition: A-League

Market: Goal to be scored in both halves

Odds: 3/5 @ 1xBet

Facing what is a crucial showdown in the race to book a play-off ticket, Macarthur will travel to the Industry Group Stadium when they meet Central Coast on Sunday morning.

Starting with the hosts, while Central Coast might have made real history last season as they successfully defended their A-League crown, the Mariners have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion this time around. Spending the whole of the campaign scrapping it out at the foot of the A-League table, Mark Jackson’s men have rightfully come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny. Although the now-former champions might have signed off March with a much-welcomed 3-1 victory against Perth, it appears that was nothing more than a minor boost. Putting in what was a woeful display last time out as they slumped to a 6-0 drumming at the hands of Newcastle, Central Coast have collected just a single win from any of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions. With that rut stemming all the way back to another 3-1 victory against Western Sydney on January 17th, Sunday’s hosts have gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Including a 3-0 loss against Melbourne Victory last month, it should be noted that Jackson’s struggling squad have remarkably put just a single A-League clean sheet on the board since the start of November.

As for the visitors, while Central Coast might be limping their way over the finishing line, Macarthur are still dreaming of the chance to book another play-off ticket. Putting in what was a sensational performance last time out as they stormed their way to a 5-1 romp away at Brisbane, the Bulls have come roaring back since their March wobble. Heading into the international break with a remarkable 5-4 victory against Adelaide, Mile Sterjovski’s side have collected seven points from their previous three A-League appearances and they are desperate to keep their top-six dreams alive here. Enjoying what has become their most fruitful spell so far this calendar year, Sunday’s guests should be excited by a trip to the Industry Group Stadium this weekend. Although they might have failed to notch a single clean sheet since the end of January, Macarthur have certainly found a major clinical edge in the final third. Including a dramatic 3-3 stalemate against Newcastle on March 28th, Sterjovski’s camp have bagged an astonishing 13 goals in their three consecutive A-League outings.

Bet: Goal to be scored in both halves at Central Coast Mariners vs Macarthur FC 3/5 for Sunday’s A-League battle @ 1xBet