Three key talking points – Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers

Three key talking points – Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers

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All eyes will be firmly centred on the A-League debut of Luis Garcia when rock-bottom Central Coast Mariners look to revive their season against second placed Western Sydney Wanderers. 

Here are some of the key talking points ahead of an engrossing encounter:

Luis Garcia

Following the Liverpool Legends clash in Sydney a fortnight ago, Central Coast have pulled off the biggest coup in the club’s history – signing former Red Luis Garcia. Despite turning 38 this year, Garcia’s performance at ANZ Stadium showed he’s still got a keen eye for goal and a desire to succeed, but will he prove the Mariners missing ingredient and help the struggling side turn their season around? Garcia’s influence on the training field and wealth of experience will certainly go a long way in helping inspire Tony Walmsley’s men, but whether he can slot in seamlessly, and keep up with opposition in the middle of an Australian summer, only time will tell. What we do know, is Garcia will have Reds fans flocking to Central Coast Stadium, increasing the side’s dwindling attendances.

Western Sydney’s loss in momentum

After seven consecutive wins and a returning belief that Western Sydney could well claim another A-League Premiership, the last month has seen the Wanderers slowly lose momentum with a scoreless draw and two losses in their past three outings. Although finals are still 12 rounds away, the top six are closer than ever (just five points separating first and sixth), and given Tony Popovic’s men face potential finals opposition in four of their next six rounds it’s crucial the side head into that run with a win, or they could well face a rapid slide down the ladder.


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Can we expect goals?

Goals have been notoriously hard to come by in this fixture, with just 17 from 12 encounters. However, breaking from traditions of seasons past, both the Mariners and Western Sydney have approached this campaign with a whole-hearted attacking mindset – seeing Central Coast score six goals in their past two home games, and the Wanderers boast one of the best attacks in the league. Will Saturday’s clash see a return of the edgy, calculated encounters of the past three seasons? Or will fans be treated to a high scoring thriller? One can only hope the latter.

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