WPM R3 @ Central Coast Mariners | Sun 2nd Nov | 7:00pm | SS3

Another very winnable game. A big chance to build some momentum heading into the first derby.

[Edit: had a brain fart, thought the FIFA break was between Rnd 3 and Rnd 4. My bad]

The games against Colombia and Ecuador are 16th and 19th of November, game against Auck is on 8th of November.  Or am I missing something?

Procrastinixing

The games against Colombia and Ecuador are 16th and 19th of November, game against Auck is on 8th of November.  Or am I missing something?

Whoops, my bad. Brain fart on my part.

Nov 2nd my Birthday, Nov8th my Wedding 25th Anniversary. I can't get a break. 

LG

Nov 2nd my Birthday, Nov8th my Wedding 25th Anniversary. I can't get a break. 

Nothing says “I love you” like taking your spouse to a double-header.

Mariners away, having beaten a very good Jest side and a loss to Sydney. this could be alot tighter than we would like. 

Simon B

LG

Nov 2nd my Birthday, Nov8th my Wedding 25th Anniversary. I can't get a break. 

Nothing says “I love you” like taking your spouse to a double-header.

Already tried that angle, the response was something about over my dead body....

Yellow Alert

Mariners away, having beaten a very good Jest side and a loss to Sydney. this could be alot tighter than we would like. 

We are likely - I hope - to start the game set up better this time than the first two games. CCM is no Perth.

Mainland FC

Yellow Alert

Mariners away, having beaten a very good Jest side and a loss to Sydney. this could be alot tighter than we would like. 

We are likely - I hope - to start the game set up better this time than the first two games. CCM is no Perth.

Yes, the high line and midfield seem to be much more in sync than at Perth and parts of the Brisbane game

Payne will be a loss.  
No Payne = no gain.

However young Loke was looking pretty on it on Saturday, he can only get better, high hopes for the young man. 

Ha ha, is your profile picture referring to Sail and Payney's drunken golf cart adventure during Covid times Yellow Alert?

Welcome

Hopefully a repeat of our pre-season game against them

Payne is s huge huge loss. Hes our only starting AW and one of our few experianced leaders.
Loke is a very good prospect but is still learning at this level.
Hopefully we get Hughes back. I also would like to see Najirine play. Hes been recruited as our creative no 10. We desperately need more creativety in the final 30 metres. 
Any news on Retre, Walker etc?

Walker should be available, has been playing reserves as recently as the 18th so unless something has happened since then.

Im looking forward to Mileusnic getting a run at some point too.

Simon B

LG

Nov 2nd my Birthday, Nov8th my Wedding 25th Anniversary. I can't get a break. 

Nothing says “I love you” like taking your spouse to a double-header.

It's our wedding anniversary this weekend and my wife actually wants to go to Mt Smart 

Doloras

Simon B

LG

Nov 2nd my Birthday, Nov8th my Wedding 25th Anniversary. I can't get a break. 

Nothing says “I love you” like taking your spouse to a double-header.

It's our wedding anniversary this weekend and my wife actually wants to go to Mt Smart 

I have a feeling this was actually spelled out in her pre-nup, right? :-)

So I'm getting tips from Twitter AI Grok for a filler account in the tipping competition. Here is the preview it generated.

Match Overview

The A-League Men's Round 3 fixture between Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford (kickoff: 5:00 PM AEDT). As defending premiers, the Mariners host a resilient Phoenix side in a matchup that could define early momentum. Central Coast seek their first win after a sluggish start, while Wellington aim to build on their dramatic late victory. Home advantage and historical edge at Gosford tilt toward the hosts, but Phoenix's counter-attacking threat promises a competitive affair.

Recent Form and Standings

After two rounds, both teams have three points but occupy mid-table spots, with Central Coast showing defensive promise yet lacking killer instinct upfront. Wellington's snatch-and-grab win over Brisbane highlights their resilience, though away form remains a question mark.

Team
Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goals For/Against
Points
Position
Central Coast Mariners | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 | 3 | 7th
Wellington Phoenix | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3/3 | 3 | 9th

Head-to-Head Record

Evenly poised overall, with Wellington holding a slight 18-16 edge in 44 meetings (10 draws), averaging 2.8 goals per game. Recent form favors Phoenix, unbeaten in the last five H2H (3 wins, 2 draws), including a 2-0 victory at Gosford in April 2025. However, Mariners are unbeaten in their last six home games against Wellington (4 wins, 2 draws), often grinding out low-scoring wins.

Key Factors and Team News

Prediction

Central Coast's home dominance and defensive setup should overcome Wellington's recent H2H hoodoo, especially with Phoenix's travel fatigue. Expect a cagey, low-scoring battle where the Mariners capitalize on set-pieces for a deserved first win, though Phoenix could threaten on the break.

RR

So I'm getting tips from Twitter AI Grok for a filler account in the tipping competition. Here is the preview it generated.

Match Overview

The A-League Men's Round 3 fixture between Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford (kickoff: 5:00 PM AEDT). As defending premiers, the Mariners host a resilient Phoenix side in a matchup that could define early momentum. Central Coast seek their first win after a sluggish start, while Wellington aim to build on their dramatic late victory. Home advantage and historical edge at Gosford tilt toward the hosts, but Phoenix's counter-attacking threat promises a competitive affair.

Recent Form and Standings

After two rounds, both teams have three points but occupy mid-table spots, with Central Coast showing defensive promise yet lacking killer instinct upfront. Wellington's snatch-and-grab win over Brisbane highlights their resilience, though away form remains a question mark.

Team
Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goals For/Against
Points
Position
Central Coast Mariners | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 | 3 | 7th
Wellington Phoenix | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3/3 | 3 | 9th

• Central Coast Mariners (7th): Opened with a narrow 1-0 home win over Macarthur FC before a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Sydney FC in Round 2. They've kept clean sheets in both but scored just once, relying on set-pieces and Alou Kuol's energy. Last season's title defense starts slowly under Nick Montgomery.
• Wellington Phoenix (9th): Began with a 2-2 home draw against Perth Glory before stealing a 2-1 road win over Brisbane Roar via Carlo Armiento's 90th-minute strike. Their attack is fluid, but concessions expose vulnerabilities on the break.

Head-to-Head Record

Evenly poised overall, with Wellington holding a slight 18-16 edge in 44 meetings (10 draws), averaging 2.8 goals per game. Recent form favors Phoenix, unbeaten in the last five H2H (3 wins, 2 draws), including a 2-0 victory at Gosford in April 2025. However, Mariners are unbeaten in their last six home games against Wellington (4 wins, 2 draws), often grinding out low-scoring wins.

Key Factors and Team News

• Central Coast's Strengths/Challenges: Fortress-like at home (unbeaten in 10 straight league games there last season) and solid defensively, but blunt attack (0.5 goals per game) needs fixing. Injuries to Trent Sainsbury, Brad Tapp, and Miguel Di Pizio thin the squad; expect Jacob Farfan to start upfront. Montgomery will push for early control.
• Wellington's Edge: Late-game heroics (goals after 75' in 40% of games) and midfield duo Alex Rufer/Kosta Barbarouses provide bite. Away record improved last season (6 wins), but injuries to Isabella Kelly-Heald and others may hit depth. Giancarlo Italiano favors counters; full squad otherwise.
• Betting Odds Snapshot (as of October 30): Mariners to win ~2.10; Draw ~3.50; Phoenix to win ~3.30. Under 2.5 goals favored at ~1.80, given recent trends.

Prediction

Central Coast's home dominance and defensive setup should overcome Wellington's recent H2H hoodoo, especially with Phoenix's travel fatigue. Expect a cagey, low-scoring battle where the Mariners capitalize on set-pieces for a deserved first win, though Phoenix could threaten on the break.

Predicted Score: Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

This is quite concerning considering how many people on Twitter rely on Grok to tell them whether something's real/true.  

Better hope that Bev doesn't call dibs on Isabella Kelly-Heald when they are fit again!

.....I am pleased Kosta has opted to play in his true favourite position, midfield alongside Rufer.....
Me: "what's the prediction, Grok?"
Grok: " I'm gonna win the league!"

Where is Feverbot when you actually need a bot with brains.

Loke & Roux could be in a battle for a spot in the November All Whites squad this weekend, will be interesting to compare/contrast how they do

Wow! Such garbage. I find grok is definitely wrong half the time. The other half I haven't checked it.

RR

So I'm getting tips from Twitter AI Grok for a filler account in the tipping competition. Here is the preview it generated.

Match Overview

The A-League Men's Round 3 fixture between Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford (kickoff: 5:00 PM AEDT). As defending premiers, the Mariners host a resilient Phoenix side in a matchup that could define early momentum. Central Coast seek their first win after a sluggish start, while Wellington aim to build on their dramatic late victory. Home advantage and historical edge at Gosford tilt toward the hosts, but Phoenix's counter-attacking threat promises a competitive affair.

Recent Form and Standings

After two rounds, both teams have three points but occupy mid-table spots, with Central Coast showing defensive promise yet lacking killer instinct upfront. Wellington's snatch-and-grab win over Brisbane highlights their resilience, though away form remains a question mark.

Team
Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goals For/Against
Points
Position
Central Coast Mariners | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 | 3 | 7th
Wellington Phoenix | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3/3 | 3 | 9th

• Central Coast Mariners (7th): Opened with a narrow 1-0 home win over Macarthur FC before a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Sydney FC in Round 2. They've kept clean sheets in both but scored just once, relying on set-pieces and Alou Kuol's energy. Last season's title defense starts slowly under Nick Montgomery.
• Wellington Phoenix (9th): Began with a 2-2 home draw against Perth Glory before stealing a 2-1 road win over Brisbane Roar via Carlo Armiento's 90th-minute strike. Their attack is fluid, but concessions expose vulnerabilities on the break.

Head-to-Head Record

Evenly poised overall, with Wellington holding a slight 18-16 edge in 44 meetings (10 draws), averaging 2.8 goals per game. Recent form favors Phoenix, unbeaten in the last five H2H (3 wins, 2 draws), including a 2-0 victory at Gosford in April 2025. However, Mariners are unbeaten in their last six home games against Wellington (4 wins, 2 draws), often grinding out low-scoring wins.

Key Factors and Team News

• Central Coast's Strengths/Challenges: Fortress-like at home (unbeaten in 10 straight league games there last season) and solid defensively, but blunt attack (0.5 goals per game) needs fixing. Injuries to Trent Sainsbury, Brad Tapp, and Miguel Di Pizio thin the squad; expect Jacob Farfan to start upfront. Montgomery will push for early control.
• Wellington's Edge: Late-game heroics (goals after 75' in 40% of games) and midfield duo Alex Rufer/Kosta Barbarouses provide bite. Away record improved last season (6 wins), but injuries to Isabella Kelly-Heald and others may hit depth. Giancarlo Italiano favors counters; full squad otherwise.
• Betting Odds Snapshot (as of October 30): Mariners to win ~2.10; Draw ~3.50; Phoenix to win ~3.30. Under 2.5 goals favored at ~1.80, given recent trends.

Prediction

Central Coast's home dominance and defensive setup should overcome Wellington's recent H2H hoodoo, especially with Phoenix's travel fatigue. Expect a cagey, low-scoring battle where the Mariners capitalize on set-pieces for a deserved first win, though Phoenix could threaten on the break.

Predicted Score: Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

LG

Nov 2nd my Birthday, Nov8th my Wedding 25th Anniversary. I can't get a break. 

Nov 8 my birthday. Have advised friends and family no presents please ... only one present matters!

Edit: Apologies - That was off topic. Let's focus on CCM first. Won't be easy - they know all about our approach / high-line and will have learnt from the 3-0 demolition pre-season where they were apparently caught offside on numerous occasions. Will be tough.

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Chiefytheman

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 Can see Chiefy going with the same lineup and I don't mind it but if either Conchie or Ishige are being ineffective I'd want to see LBS on at half time and Piper at 60.

Chiefy said today that Hughes was fit enough to play a part this weekend, odd to see him listed as injured

Its a real blow having five players out injured already and we are only two games into the season.
Most of them are experianced players at A League level who could be expected to make a positive contribution...even off the bench.
Fingers crossed we get no more injuries because its already negatively impacting on the season

imanixsupporter

Chiefy said today that Hughes was fit enough to play a part this weekend, odd to see him listed as injured

He's not listed as injured though?

austin111

Its a real blow having five players out injured already and we are only two games into the season.
Most of them are experianced players at A League level who could be expected to make a positive contribution...even off the bench.
Fingers crossed we get no more injuries because its already negatively impacting on the season

I think all except Payne got injured before the season kick-off.  Hopefully there is a bit of analysis done if this is just a bad luck or whether there was something in the preseason that contributed to this.

Walker had played for the reserves a couple of weeks ago, so his might be new/a recurrence.

Najjarine played vs Perth too.

Sounds like Piper wont be starting this one 

wont be starting for some time, so that puts that to bed.

oops my bad, didn't see him in the INs section and assumed he was still out, but there he is, must have been in the squad all along, just not in the matchday squads

anaveragestem

imanixsupporter

Chiefy said today that Hughes was fit enough to play a part this weekend, odd to see him listed as injured

He's not listed as injured though?

i quite like how hes only playing and training as a striker. good for him and i think he'll continue to be great for us there

imanixsupporter

oops my bad, didn't see him in the INs section and assumed he was still out, but there he is, must have been in the squad all along, just not in the matchday squads

anaveragestem

imanixsupporter

Chiefy said today that Hughes was fit enough to play a part this weekend, odd to see him listed as injured

He's not listed as injured though?

Yeah, Chief said before the game last week that Hughes had an illness but was better and expecting him to play at the time of the interview, 3 days out from the Brisbane game. I found it weird that he didn't play last weekend but I guess he was simply still under the weather. 

I love the fact our injured list other than Payne and Walker is all the Aussie imports who should be making an impact. Amrientio is about the sole Aussie import who looks like a nailed on starter. 
Hope the pitch is better than the half baked swamp up in Brisbane. 

Whats the story with Miluesnic? Has he ever played a single minute since arriving? Its really important we get our AL experianced new recruits back in action. Our bench is not that experianced at the moment . Any communication from the club when we will see any if the injured back?

austin111

Whats the story with Miluesnic? Has he ever played a single minute since arriving? Its really important we get our AL experianced new recruits back in action. Our bench is not that experianced at the moment . Any communication from the club when we will see any if the injured back?

Pretty sure Chiefy said in the midweek presser that Mileusnic was a month away.

Retre was a take it day by day proposal at the minute as well. Najjarine was 50/50 to make the squad for this week, so I'd imagine he'll be back next week, and well Hughes is in the squad for tomorrow, so I think we'll see him.

1-0 to the Nix today, to set up a great derby and top of the table shoot out next week!!