Preview: Central Coast Mariners vs. Western United - prediction, team news, lineups

Central Coast Mariners head into their A-League fixture with Western United looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

While United find themselves down in ninth spot, the visitors are only seven points adrift of the Mariners with two games in hand.

Match preview

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Having recorded four wins from their opening six league matches, few people associated with Central Coast Mariners will be unhappy with the club's start to the season.

Nevertheless, two defeats in four games have left Alen Stajcic in little doubt that his squad have a long way to go before being regarded as serious title contenders.

Sitting top of the standings is still new territory for the Mariners, and they will hope that their dramatic 3-2 victory over Melbourne City will act as the catalyst for more positive results.

Facing a 2-0 deficit after 31 minutes, the Mariners stormed back to claim maximum points through goals from Jaden Casella, Matt Simon and Daniel De Silva.

As far as Western United are concerned, they will be relatively content with collecting five points from their first four matches.

With games in hand on the teams above them, Mark Rudan's side can make quick progress up the standings if they can record their second win in three outings.

Although the goalless draw against Melbourne Victory was a come down from the 5-4 thriller versus Perth Glory, Rudan will be satisfied that his defence were capable of showing more character at the back.

Rudan focused his attention on criticising VAR after the match in light of his team having two goals disallowed, and he will hope that his frustration will only motivate a group of players who are seemingly getting into their stride.

Central Coast Mariners Australian A-League form: WWLWLW

Western United Australian A-League form: DLWD

Team News

Despite their victory over Melbourne City, Stajcic will consider making changes to his Mariners XI.

Alou Kuol appears likely to be recalled to the side, while Maximilien Balard and Daniel Bouman are also in contention.

Rudan could be prepared to give another chance to the team which were held by Melbourne Victory.

Iker Guarrotxena, Dylan Pierias and Lachlan Wales are most likely to be brought into the side if Rudan makes any alterations.

Central Coast Mariners possible starting lineup: Birighitti; Clisby, Rowles, Tongyik, Nigro; Bouman, Stensness, Bozanic, De Silva; Kuol, Urena

Western United possible starting lineup: Kurto; Uskok, Calver, Durante, Vujica, Sanchez; Lustica, Imai, Pain, Diamanti; Berisha

We say: Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Western United

While the Mariners deservedly sit at the top of the table, they have hardly been a model of consistency during the early weeks of the season. With Western United seemingly on an upward trajectory, we feel that the visitors will do enough to claim a share of the spoils.