A-League Grand Final 2024: Mariners vs Victory tips & odds

Mariners v Victory A-League best bet tips

A-League Grand Final preview: Mariners v Victory

The stage is set for the 2024 A-League Grand Final this Saturday night as the Central Coast Mariners host the Melbourne Victory to decide who will be crowned champions.

At home, the Mariners are favourites to lift the trophy at -163.93 with Bet365, while Victory offer a value selection at +120.

Last Saturday, Central Coast secured a spot in the Grand Final by completing a 2-1 aggregate win over Sydney FC. Carrying a one-goal lead into the second leg, they were able to hold firm in defence, keeping Sydney FC goalless and giving themselves a chance to become back-to-back champions.

In a year of success for the Mariners, they have already won the Premier’s Plate and become the first Australian team to win the AFC Cup. As such, they are on the cusp of a historic treble if they can lift the trophy.

Coming into this game as favourites, Mark Jackson’s men have lost just two of their past 34 matches and are undefeated in their last 10. They have been excellent defensively throughout the season, while players such as Alou Kuol, Josh Nisbet and Mikael Doka have provided the spark up forward.

Victory earned their spot in the Grand Final last Saturday in New Zealand, beating the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 on aggregate in a dramatic tie.

After a 0-0 result in the first leg, the odds were against Tony Popovic’s charges, but they played an excellent counterattacking game and took the lead in the 82nd minute through defender Adama Traore. A 99th-minute equaliser took the game to extra time, in which Chris Ikonomidis secured the winner from a corner in the 108th minute.

Finishing the season in third place, it was a mixed season for Victory, who had fewer losses than the Mariners but led the league in draws. After an 11th-placed finish last season, they were unbeaten through the first 15 rounds of the season, exceeding many expectations.

Despite playing in a Grand Final, Victory aren’t on the best run of form, as they haven’t won any of their past six matches within 90 minutes. However, their ability to find a result has been their biggest strength this season.

In positive news, Victory will regain star midfielder Zinedine Machach after he served a two-game suspension. He will likely slot straight back into the midfield alongside young Australian pair Jordi Valadon and Ryan Teague. Bruno Fornaroli is the player to watch for Victory up forward with 18 goals this season, but he hasn’t scored in his last six appearances.

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Mariners v Victory GF betting picks

As the best side in the A-League over the past two seasons, the Mariners have the added advantage of playing in front of a sold-out home crowd. Victory coach Tony Popovic has been here before, but he has lost in each of his four Grand Final appearances. The Mariners are unbeaten in their three meetings with Melbourne this season, and they should be good enough to get the job done inside 90 minutes at +115 with Neds.

Despite last season’s 6-1 win over Melbourne City in the Grand Final, don’t expect a high-scoring affair this time around. The Mariners have conceded just two goals in their past six games, while they are missing top scorer Angel Torres. Victory, meanwhile, have scored just three goals across their finals campaign, so back this match to go under 2.5 goals at -125 with top A-League bookmakers.

Named A-League Player of the Month in April, winger Mikael Doka has been a critical part of the Mariners’ success. The Brazilian has found form at the pointy end of the season, scoring or assisting in seven of his last nine appearances in all competitions. In what could be a close affair, back Doka’s quality to shine through as he scores or assists at +130 with top soccer bookmakers.

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