by Chuck Sommers
Friday, Mar 31, 2023
Time: 2 a.m. ET
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, South Wales, Australia
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
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Caesars: Check back later for odds
Season record
Brisbane Roar: 5-8-8
Central Coast Mariners: 9-4-8
Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners preview, prediction and analysis
On April 1, 2023, Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners will face off in a highly anticipated A-League matchup. Both teams will be looking to secure a valuable three points and make an early statement in the season.
Brisbane Roar had a solid 2022 season, finishing in fifth place in the A-League and qualifying for the playoffs. They will be looking to build upon their success and compete for the A-League title this season.
Central Coast Mariners, on the other hand, had a disappointing 2022 season, finishing in 11th place in the A-League and missing out on the playoffs. They will be looking to improve upon their record this season and make a push for the playoffs.
Both teams have some talented players who could make a big impact in this game, so let's take a closer look at what fans can expect.
One player to watch for Brisbane Roar is forward Dylan Wenzel-Halls. Wenzel-Halls had a strong 2022 season, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and lead Brisbane Roar to victory in this matchup.
Another player to watch for Brisbane Roar is midfielder James O'Shea. O'Shea had a solid 2022 season, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 23 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and help lead his team to victory in this game.
On the Central Coast Mariners' side, one player to watch is forward Marco Urena. Urena is a new signing for the Mariners this season, and he brings a wealth of experience to the team. He has played for clubs in Spain, Russia, and the United States, and he has also represented Costa Rica at the international level. He will be looking to make an immediate impact for the Mariners and help lead them to victory in this game.
Another player to watch for Central Coast Mariners is midfielder Daniel De Silva. De Silva had a solid 2022 season, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 20 appearances. He will be looking to continue his strong play in the upcoming season and help lead his team to victory in this game.
When it comes to tactics, both teams have different styles of play that could make for an interesting matchup. Brisbane Roar typically play a possession-based style of football, looking to control the ball and create scoring opportunities through short passes and quick movement. Central Coast Mariners, on the other hand, typically play a more direct style of football, looking to play long balls forward and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.
Both teams also have some solid defensive players who could make it difficult for the opposing attack to score. Brisbane Roar has a strong defense led by center back Macaulay Gillesphey and goalkeeper Jamie Young. Central Coast Mariners, meanwhile, have a solid defense led by center back Kye Rowles and goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams with different styles of play. Fans can expect to see some great individual performances and some tactical battles on the field. Whether you're a Brisbane Roar fan or a Central Coast Mariners fan, this is a game you won't want to miss.
One factor that could impact the outcome of the game is the home field advantage. Brisbane Roar will be playing at home in this matchup, which could give them an edge. The Brisbane Roar faithful are some of the most passionate fans in the A-League, and their support could help give their team the boost they need to secure a victory.
On the other hand, Central Coast Mariners will not be intimidated by the hostile atmosphere at Brisbane Roar's home stadium. They have played well on the road.
Prediction
Given the level of competition, that should mean something. I like the home team in the upset. Brisbane 2, Central Coast 1
Given the level of competition, that should mean something. I like the home team in the upset. Brisbane 2, Central Coast 1
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
