- Parramatta FC have won their last three league games by a combined 10-0 score without conceding in over 270 minutes of action.
- Central Coast United have kept just one clean sheet in their last five league matches.
- Parramatta FC won the last league meeting and have taken two of the last three NSW League Two head-to-heads against Central Coast United.
Fire in the belly for Parramatta’s promotion push
The fire burns deep in the bellies of these two sides for very different reasons with Parramatta looking to keep their promotion charge alive by seeing off a Central Coast United side who need to better themselves and begin to climb out of the relegation places. Parramatta are red-hot, Central Coast are cold and the bookies have priced up the game accordingly with the hosts 1.68, the visitors 4.05 and the draw 3.85.
Central Coast are in transition and have struggled to find consistency throughout the campaign, however, the last few weeks have shown a glimpse of the form they need to start climbing the table. Shannon Cole's men have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five league games, beating Inner West Hawks 2-1, but struggling to close out games against the better teams in the division.
Parramatta are one of those better teams and have been on a hot run themselves, winning three straight league matches by a cumulative 10-0 scoreline. The West Sydney based club have surged into the top third of the NSW League 2 table with roughly 16 points from their 9-10 games played, while Central Coast have found themselves in the bottom three with around six points.
Oughtred’s side can outplay United
Oughtred's men are clearly the best team on paper and their recent 5-0, 3-0 and 6-0 victories in the last few weeks suggest they have the self-belief and attacking prowess to put Central Coast to the sword this Saturday afternoon. Travis Oughtred's charges have the pace and desire to play a direct transition style that will challenge Central Coast's ability to play out from the back, a tactic which has caused them issues all season long.
Central Coast will look to their mobile midfielders to break Parramatta's press and their pacey attackers to run onto the second ball, an area which have seen the visitors pick up some points on their travels lately, but with just one win in five, United are hardly worthy favourites in our eyes.
Central Coast United have had more time on the ball in the majority of their games this season and prefer to build their attacks through central combinations. However, Parramatta's high-press and direct, fast-paced wide attacks should test United's resolve and cool heads. The over 2.5 goals market at 1.47 suggests that goals are expected and there should be fireworks on Saturday.
Squad selection key for both sides
Parramatta's main forwards and wide attackers have been involved in the goals they've scored in the past three games and we're expecting the same again here, especially with the speedy attackers' recent scoring form. Central Coast will need their creative midfielders and dead-ball specialists to make the difference, and their ability to break free on the counter-attack will be vital for them to get their goals.
A Parramatta win would mean the world to these clubs' respective supporters, and the local bragging rights still add an extra spice to this fixture. The hosts are in great form, have the home ground advantage and should get the three points, but United are capable of nicking a goal in the closing stages, so our score prediction is for a 2-1 or 3-1 Parramatta win.
Weather conditions should be cool and mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in Parramatta on Saturday, which could make the ground a little slick and favor fast transitions.