Match Preview: Central Coast Mariners vs Western United

Lustica

Western United will play their first interstate match of the season this Sunday, taking on table-toppers Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.

United are looking for their second win of the season after being held to a 0-0 draw by Melbourne Victory last week, while the Mariners hope to continue their strong start to the campaign.

The Green and Black have a decent record against the Mariners in their short history.

The 2019/20 season saw Mark Rudan’s men defeat the Mariners twice out of three meetings, by convincing scorelines of 3-0 and 6-2.

Central Coast has had a remarkable turnaround in form since then, however.

Wooden spooners last season, Alen Stajic’s side have climbed to first place on the A-League table.

A 3-2 comeback win over Melbourne City midweek was their fourth victory in six games this season.

Fans can watch the game live on Fox Sports 505, Kayo, or the MyFootball Live app.

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (GK), 3. Lewis MILLER, 4. Joshua NISBET, 5. Stefan NIGRO, 6. Gianni STENSNESS, 7. Stefan JANKOVIC, 8. Oliver BOZANIC, 10. Daniel DESILVA, 11. Jack CLISBY, 12. Marcos UREÑA, 14. Daniel BOUMAN, 15. Kye ROWLES, 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Adam PEARCE (GK), 21. Ruon TONGYIK, 22. Michal JANOTA, 23. Dan HALL, 26. Jaden CASELLA, 29. Alou KUOL, 32. Max BALARD

INS: 4. Joshua NISBET (Return from injury), 8. Oliver BOZANIC (Return from injury)

OUT: Nil

Unavailable: 30. Jordan SMYLIE (Knee – 1-2 Weeks)

Western United FC squad: 1.Filip KURTO (GK), 2.Aaron CALVER, 3.Brendan HAMILL, 4.Andrew DURANTE, 5.Dylan PIERIAS, 6.Tomoki IMAI, 7.Besart BERISHA, 8.Lachlan WALES, 10.Steven LUSTICA, 11.Connor PAIN, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Max BURGESS, 20.Victor SANCHEZ, 22.Tomislav USKOK, 23.Alessandro DIAMANTI (c), 25.Luke DUZEL, 26.Nicolas MILANOVIC, 27.Jerry SKOTADIS, 30.Ryan SCOTT (GK), 34.Iker GUARROTXENA

**2-4 to be omitted**

Ins: 14.Max BURGESS (promoted), 25.Luke DUZEL (promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable:  19.Joshua RISDON (tibia – 8-10 weeks), 21.Sebastian PASQUALI (hip – 6 weeks)

Match Details

Central Coast Mariners vs Western United

Sunday, 7 February

Kick-off: 6:10pm

Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtags #CCMvWUN and #WUFC