Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast | A-League 2023-24 Final

Published at :May 23, 2024 at 2:22 PM

Modified at :May 23, 2024 at 2:32 PM

The final match of the A-League 2023-24 season

Australia’s premier football championship is all set to unveil its ultimate game as Central Coast Mariners gear up to defend their crown against four-time A-League champions Melbourne Victory come Saturday.

While the reigning champions finished at the top of the summit, booked a direct semi-final slot and defeated Sydney FC 2-1 on aggregate to map their way into the final, Melbourne Victory, on the other hand, won an elimination final against Melbourne City FC before a semi-final triumph over Wellington Phoenix to get to the final.

Kick Off

May 25, Saturday, 03:15 (PM) IST

May 25, Saturday, 9:45 AM (GMT)

Venue: Central Coast Stadium

Form

Central Coast Mariners: W-W-W-W-W

Melbourne Victory: W-W-L-D-L

Players to watch

Joshua Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners)

The midfielder from down under has been on fire this season. He has been a standout performer for the Mariners and is one of their leading contributors with 19 goal contributions, including four goals and 16 assists across all competitions this season. He is the Yellows’ creator-in-chief and is known for his ball distribution, playmaking and creative skills.

Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory)

The Australian international is enjoying a season to remember. The target man has been the driving force behind Melbourne Victory’s magical run to the final. He has scored 18 goals in the A-League this season and is second in the race for the Golden Boot. His positioning coupled with his top-notch finishing abilities make him a very lethal weapon for the Boys in Blue.

Match facts

Central Coast Mariners snapped a 1-0 victory the last time they faced off against Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory have the chance to win their fifth title and become the joint most successful team in the history of the league
The Grand Final will be hosted at the Industree Group Stadium, home of the Central Coast Mariners

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection. However, Central Coast Mariners will miss the services of their top scorer Angel Torres who is serving a suspension

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 52

Central Coast Mariners Wins – 11

Melbourne Victory Wins – 25

Draws – 16

Predicted Line-up

Central Coast Mariners (4-4-2)

Danny Vukovic (GK) (C); Storm Roux, Dan Hall, Brian Kaltack, Jacob Farrell; Mikael Doka, Max Balard, Brad Tapp, Christian Theoharous; Joshua Nisbet, Alou Kuol

Melbourne Victory (4-3-2-1)

Alex Paulsen (GK); Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Scott Wootton, Sam Sutton; Nicholas Pennington, Alex Rufer (C), Ben Old; Bozhidar Kraev, David Ball; Kosta Barbarouses

Prediction

Central Coast Mariners will come into the game as favourites, thanks to their phenomenal run to the final. Moreover, they will also have the support from their home fans. Melbourne Victory, on the other hand, are no less either. They will also look to go all out in search of their fifth title.

Prediction: Central Coast Mariners 2-1 Melbourne Victory

Telecast

India – FanCode

Australia – Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+

New Zealand – Sky Sport

UK – TNT Sports

USA – ESPN

Nigeria – SportyTV

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