Melbourne Victory vs Central Coast Mariners Tips & Predictions - Victory to hand Mariners fifth straight loss

Victory have been wildly inconsistent since the departure of Patrick Kisnorbo, but this represents a great chance to steady the ship and really cement their spot inside the top six. The Mariners were always going to find it tough to back up consecutive Grand Final triumphs and that's been the case this season, with the team almost certainly set to miss out on the finals. I'm backing Under 3.5 goals for the best bet here - Victory have gone under this total in 12 of their last 17 games, while 11 of the last 12 meetings between the teams have also gone under after 90 minutes.

The Mariners prevailed 3-1 after extra-time in last season's Grand Final, while their only previous meeting this season resulted in a 0-0 draw.

Victory were flying to start the season, but they've only won three of their last 11 matches since Kisnorbo left for Japan, with Arthur Diles since appointed as the permanent head coach.

Diles has overseen an improvement in form lately, with Victory unbeaten in five of their last six games, picking up wins over Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory in that period.

However, Victory missed a golden chance to ease some pressure when it comes to the top six race, with the team being held to a 1-1 draw against last-placed Brisbane Roar last week, with Kasey Bos' equaliser in the 97th minute earning them a point.

No current injuries for Victory ahead of this encounter.

The Mariners are languishing in 10th spot on the ladder heading into this contest, nine points adrift of Victory in sixth.

It's a must-win game for the Mariners - if they can produce the upset, they would close the gap to six points, but they would also need other results from the teams above them to go their way.

Regardless, it doesn't look likely - Central Coast have lost their last four games in all competitions, including back-to-back 4-1 and 3-1 defeats to the Wanderers and Western United.

Alfie McCalmont is out suspended, while Ryan Edmonson remains in doubt with injury.