On Sunday afternoon, Isuzu UTE A-League football will return to BlueBet Stadium in Penrith after a six-year hiatus when Macarthur Bulls host the Central Coast Mariners.
The only previous match to be played at this venue was between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix with the home side running out 2-0 victors back in February 2015.
Normally home to NRL Premiers, Penrith Panthers, BlueBet Stadium is being utilised after the field at Campbelltown Stadium was deemed un-suitable for A-League football and despite the change of venue, the Mariners will be looking to maintain their strong away record against the Bulls after winning both matches at Campbelltown Stadium last year.
The Central Coast side have been leading the way in chance creation and sit at the top of the league when it comes to shot accuracy (55%) and only Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix (12) have recorded more shots on target than the Mariners (11).
This will be the Mariners’ last away game in a run of five that included two FFA Cup matches and they will be looking to head into the December run of home games with maximum points from this match.
One player who has been influential as of late is Marco Ureña who has been directly involved in 3 goals in his last four games and after entering the fray later in Wednesday’s FFA Cup match against Wollongong Wolves, is eager to make an instant impact on Sunday.
Macarthur FC will be looking to utilise some of their danger players and Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery highlighted their recruitment as he chatted to the press.
“They’ve recruited well and they’ve got a big budget. Macarthur have a lot of good players in that front third in Davilla, Craig Noone and Lachie Rose who have energy and that makes them very dangerous.”
“We will travel there on Sunday with virtually a full squad and with plenty of competition for places, it will make my job harder to pick the team on Sunday.”
Nick Montgomery – Mariners Head Coach
Match Details:
Macarthur FC v Central Coast Mariners
Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s MW3
BlueBet Stadium, Penrith, NSW
Kick Off: 4:05pm
Tickets: Here
Mariners Supporter Bus: Here
