Central Coast Mariners 8/5 to beat Adelaide United in Friday’s A-League contest

Competition: A-League

Market: Central Coast Mariners win

Odds: 8/5 @ 888sport

With a golden chance to extend their buffer at the top of the table on Friday morning, a high-flying Central Coast will travel to a struggling Adelaide United.

Starting with the hosts, after just about missing out on a spot in the final series play-off positions last season, Adelaide really find themselves in the midst of a sluggish patch. Putting in what was a torrid display on their travels last weekend, the Reds were hit with a 4-0 drumming away at Macarthur and they have gained a real reputation for their issues at the back. Despite managing to land a hard-fought 1-0 win against Melbourne Victory last month, it appears that was just an ever-so minor bounce for Carl Veart’s strugglers. With just a pair of A-League wins to their name since opening the new campaign, Adelaide have lost each of their last three contests on the spin. A run highlighted by that drumming on the road last weekend, it should also be highlighted that Friday’s hosts have already conceded 14 goals so far this season, the worst-defensive tally of any side in Australia’s top-flight.

As for the visitors, while Adelaide might be in the midst of a real struggle, the mood in Central Coast’s camp should be at a real red-hot high. Despite once again lifting the wooden spoon last season, few across Australia would have expected what has been a stunning run of form by the A-League high-flyers. Suddenly transforming into a genuine title-chaser this season, Head Coach Alen Stajcic has been quick to praise his side’s remarkable winning run. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures already holding a four-point buffer at the top of the table, the Mariners put in another eye-catching display last time out. Eventually picking up what was a deserved 2-0 victory away at Wellington Phoenix, Friday’s guests have won each of their last three A-League contests on the bounce and they have mustered 12 points from their last five matchups. With that run highlighted by a victory away at defending champions Sydney last month, we’re backing a similar outcome this week.

Bet: Central Coast Mariners 8/5 to beat Adelaide United in Friday’s A-League contest @ 888sport