It’s been another fantastic season and a thrilling finals series, but it all comes down to Saturday night when the Central Coast Mariners take on Melbourne Victory in the 2023-24 A-League Grand Final! As always, we bring you our preview and best bet for the fixture below. Good luck to everyone following!
A-League Grand Final Betting Tips
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday 25th May, 7:45pm (AEST)
It’s been another fantastic season for the Central Coast Mariners and they’ve earned the chance to defend their title from a season ago. If successful, they’ll become just the second team to go back-to-back over the past dozen seasons.
There were signs of a championship hangover early doors for the Mariners who began their campaign with losses in each of their first four games; however, they quickly hit their straps after that and have only lost twice since.
The Mariners were too good for Sydney FC in the semi-finals, defeating them 2-1 on the road before playing out a 0-0 draw in the second leg at home. The Mariners have now kept three clean sheets from their past five games and have only conceded two goals over that span.
Melbourne Victory haven’t quite been as dominant as their upcoming opponents but have still earned the right to play off in the big dance. If they’re to get the desired result on Saturday night it’ll be their first title since their triumph in the 2017-18 season.
Victory began the season in sizzling form and went 15 games without a loss, with their first defeat coming in Round 16 against Macarthur FC. They struggled with form in the second half of the season and finished the year without a win in their last three games.
Victory have done it the hard way to make the Grand Final, requiring extra time against both of their final’s opponents. This means they’re technically without a win in normal time for six straight games.
Match Prediction: Although anything can happen in a final, it’s no surprise to see the Mariners listed as the clear favourites to retain their title. They’ve been in sizzling form over the second half of the season, and also got the better of Victory when they last met. All things considered, they look to be a decent bet to win in normal time on Saturday night.
Central Coast Mariners to Win
$2.20 (1.5 Units)
