Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners Tips & Predictions - Mariners continue pursuit of top six spot

The two-time reigning Grand Final winners are unbeaten in their last four games heading into this contest and are expected to secure all three points on the road at HBF Park. Our best bet is for both teams to score - Glory have scored in three of their last four home games, while the Mariners have seen both teams find the back of the net in eight of their last nine outings. Central Coast meanwhile are 11 points ahead of Perth on the ladder and if they want to feature in the finals, these are the sorts of games you must be winning.

These two teams played out a 0-0 stalemate when they met back in Round 3, but the Mariners were still suffering from a Grand Final hangover at that time. Central Coast won the previous meeting 4-2.

It's been another nightmare campaign for Perth, no matter how you spin it.

Glory have lost 11 of their 16 games and head into Round 18 with a -28 goal differential, while they've also suffered defeat in eight of their last nine home outings, so there's not really any advantage of playing at HBF Park.

After a shock victory over high-flying Auckland, Glory have lost against the Wanderers and Victory at home, along with earning a 2-2 draw with Newcastle on the road.

New signings Yuto Misao and Lachie Wales could be in line for a start after coming off the bench since joining the club in January.

The Mariners had an understandable slow start to the season as they juggled Asian Champions League commitments, but they've improved over the last couple of months as they launch a late assault for a finals ticket.

Central Coast are unbeaten in six of their last seven games heading into this contest and are currently four points adrift of the top six.

After defeating the Wanderers 3-1, the Mariners have drawn three consecutive games against Wellington, Western United and rivals Newcastle, where they blew a 2-0 lead in the second-half last week.

Teenager Abdul Faisal could start against the club he departed last month, while Alou Kuol might also come into the starting side after being left on the bench last week.