Competition: A-League

Market: Noah Botic Over 0.5 shots on target

Odds: 4/9 @ BetUS

Hoping to extend on their AFC Champions League charge on Friday morning, Western United will travel to Central Coast.

Starting with the hosts, while Central Coast might have made real history last season as they successfully defending their A-League crown, the Mariners have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Putting in another woeful display last week as they fell to a 4-0 drumming at home against Western Sydney, Mark Jackson’s men find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Scrapping it out at the foot of the table and already sat seven points adrift of the play-off places, the one-time Leeds defender has seen his downbeat squad lose all of their last three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-1. In fact, despite opening the New Year with a 3-1 win away at Brisbane, Central Coast have won just a pair of their previous 14 consecutive outings. Facing what should be another stern examination on Friday morning, it should also be highlighted that Jackson’s men have recorded just a sole A-League win at the Industry Group Stadium so far this season.

As for the visitors, making a welcomed return to winning ways last weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp against Adelaide, Western United have cemented their spot as Australia’s ultimate surprise package this season. Remarkably battling it out at the top of the table, John Alosi’s camp open Friday’s showdown sat within touching distance of finding a route into the AFC Champions League spots. With the mood around Ironbark Fields at a red-hot high, the former Brisbane boss has seen his squad suffer just a pair of defeats from any of their previous 12 A-League appearances. Getting the New Year underway with an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Perth, Western United have continued to impress with their success on the road. Including a dramatic 4-3 win against Melbourne Victory last month, Friday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat on their travels since the start of November. Looking to make a real statement here, Aloisi’s men could be smelling a potential opportunity this weekend.

Bet: Noah Botic Over 0.5 shots on target against Central Coast Mariners 4/9 for Friday’s A-League showdown @ BetUS