Mariners looking to continue streak against A-League form side

Central Coast Mariners complete their hectic January travel schedule with a midweek trip to Western United on Wednesday evening (7pm kick-off).

The Mariners have already faced their last four matches in a row away from home, winning 3-1 away at both Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers either side of defeat to Sydney, before earning a point against Wellington on Saturday.

This trip to Victoria is the final game on the road, before we return to Our Paradise on Saturday for a day of 20-year celebrations and a huge F3 Derby Double Header.

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Western come into this game refreshed and full of confidence after a BYE at the weekend. John Aloisi’s side are top of the Isuzu UTE A-League form table having won six of their last seven games.

Aloisi is reaping the rewards for putting his trust in young players, whilst Mark Jackson also continues to rebuild his squad by putting his faith in Mariners youth, no more so than the weekend’s draw with Wellington where he named the youngest starting eleven so far this season in the A-League (23.1).

The Mariners have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six, with Jacko still demanding more consistency from his young team, especially in attack.

Fans of both clubs know the importance of this match as the battle for the top six heats up in the second half of the season, whilst A-League neutrals can be excited by two young teams facing off against each other.

⏮ Previously vs Western

The Mariners have a very strong head-to-head record against Western, winning eight out of 12 meetings between the two. Alou Kuol has scored three goals, only Jason Cummings (4) and Besart Berisha (5) have scored more in this fixture.

Western haven’t beaten the Mariners since 2021, with six Mariners wins and one draw since then. The Mariners maintained that strong record last season with two convincing wins on our way to the Premiership, including a 4-0 win at home and a 2-0 win at Ironbark Fields, with this Goal of the Season winner from Christian Theoharous, the pick of the bunch.

🔎 Western United

Western are the surprise package of the A-League so far this season. After an 11th placed finish last season, they currently sit fifth on the ladder and have had some eye catching results.

Aloisi’s youngsters have had dramatic 4-3 victories against Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, a late 3-2 comeback win in Perth and they handed Auckland their first defeat of the season with a 4-0 rout in December.

Hiroshi Ibusuki is the main man, continuing his goalscoring form from last season with Adelaide, with seven so far this season in Western colours, cementing himself as a key player for Aloisi.

The Japanese forward is one of the elder statesmen in the squad at 33 years old, one of only four players over the age of 25 at the club.

His strike partner Noah Botic (24) is only one goal behind, contributing six goals and four assists so far this season, whilst Abel Walatee (20), Luke Vickery (19), Riku Danzaki (24) and Matthew Grimali (21) are all young attacking threats for the Mariners to keep an eye on.

🗣 Christian Theoharous

Christian spoke about the squad’s trip to New Zealand last time out to face a tough Wellington side and how he is returning to his best after injury, with eagerness to add more goals and assists.

Still only 25-years-old himself, Christian laughed at how he is now considered a ‘senior statesman’ in such a young squad.

The winger also touched on a fond memory from last season’s trip to Tarneit, explaining how he enjoys the opportunities to play closer to family in Victoria and analysing the form of his former club.

🗣 Mark Jackson

Jacko reflected on what he believes was a fair point in Christchurch against Wellington and discussed his squad options.

Our Head Coach also had plenty of praise for Western, explaining how preparation for our trip has looked and the challenge they present on Wednesday evening.