Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Match Preview
Friday night football returns to Gosford as the Central Coast Mariners host the league’s newest powerhouse, Auckland FC, at Central Coast Stadium on 12 December 2025. The Mariners are enduring a rocky start to their title defense, sitting 8th with just 8 points and struggling for consistency. In contrast, Auckland FC have taken the league by storm in their second season. Sitting 3rd with 14 points, the visitors are fresh off a dominant Derby win over Wellington Phoenix and will look to pile more misery on the struggling hosts.
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Match Info
- Competition: A-League Men (Round 8)
- Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford (Capacity: 20,059)
- Date: Friday, 12 December 2025
- Kickoff: 19:35 AEDT | 21:35 NZDT | 08:35 GMT
- Referee: TBC (A-League Appointment)
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Match Stakes
Central Coast Mariners (8th — 8 pts):
- Win → Jump to ~11 pts, moving into the Top 6 playoff spots
- Draw → Stays stuck in mid-table; extends winless run against top teams
- Loss → Risk dropping to 10th if other results go against them
Auckland FC (3rd — 14 pts):
- Win → Moves to 17 pts, putting pressure on league leaders Melbourne Victory
- Draw → Keeps them comfortably in the top 4
- Loss → Momentum killer; allows Mariners and Wanderers to close the gap
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Team News
Central Coast Mariners:
- Sainsbury T. — Out (Achilles Tendon Injury)
- Eames H. — Out (Injury)
- Kaltak B. — Available (Leader in defense)
Auckland FC:
- Sakai H. — Out (Injury)
- Brimmer J. — Available (Key playmaker)
- Pijnaker N. — Available (Starting CB)
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Central Coast Mariners
- 06/12 — 1–2 vs Sydney FC (Loss)
- 29/11 — 0–0 vs Melbourne City (Draw)
- 22/11 — 2–3 vs WS Wanderers (Loss)
- 07/11 — 1–0 vs Perth Glory (Win)
- 02/11 — 1–1 vs Wellington Phoenix (Draw)
Auckland FC
- 06/12 — 3–1 vs Wellington Phoenix (Win)
- 30/11 — 1–2 vs Newcastle Jets (Loss)
- 23/11 — 1–1 vs Brisbane Roar (Draw)
- 08/11 — 2–1 vs Wellington Phoenix (Win)
- 01/11 — 2–1 vs Adelaide United (Win)
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Head-to-Head (Last Meetings)
- 16/03/2025 — Auckland FC 2–2 Central Coast Mariners
- 28/12/2024 — Central Coast Mariners 1–4 Auckland FC
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Central Coast Mariners (4-4-2)
Peraic-Cullen; Roux, Kaltak, Paull, Mauragis; Doka, Steele, McCalmont, Theoharous; Di Pizio, Kuol
Auckland FC (4-2-3-1)
Paulsen; Elliot, Hall, Pijnaker, de Vries; Verstraete, Brimmer; Rogerson, Moreno, Gillion; May
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Impact Bench
Central Coast Mariners: Edmondson (Target man), Tapp (Midfield stability)
Auckland FC: Mata (Goalscorer), Howieson (Control)
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Tactical Analysis
Central Coast Mariners
Without the experience of Trent Sainsbury, the Mariners have looked fragile at the back. They rely heavily on Mikael Doka’s delivery from the right flank to create chances. At home, they will try to press high, but their lack of speed in central defense (Kaltak/Paull) could be exposed by Auckland’s quick transitions.
Auckland FC
Steve Corica’s side plays direct, high-intensity football. Even without their captain Hiroki Sakai, they have enough depth with Callan Elliot stepping in. Jake Brimmer is the orchestrator in midfield, looking to feed Guillermo May in the channels. Auckland’s recent 4-1 win at this venue last season will be fresh in their minds, and they will target the space behind the Mariners’ full-backs.
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Key Battles
- Kaltak vs May — physical duel in the box
- Doka vs de Vries — battle of the wide creators
- McCalmont vs Brimmer — control of the midfield engine
- Roux vs Gillion — pace mismatch on the wing
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Spotlight Players
Central Coast Mariners — Mikael Doka
The Brazilian is the Mariners’ most dangerous outlet. With the strikers misfiring, Doka’s set-pieces and long-range shooting are often the team’s best route to a goal.
Auckland FC — Jake Brimmer
The former Johnny Warren Medalist has found a new lease of life in Auckland. His vision and ability to dictate the tempo will be crucial in silencing the Gosford crowd.
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Prediction
Central Coast Mariners 1–2 Auckland FC
The Mariners are struggling for identity this season, while Auckland FC looks like a well-oiled machine. The psychological edge from their previous big win in Gosford, combined with Mariners’ defensive injuries, favors the visitors.
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Double Chance — Auckland FC or Draw
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — Where to Watch
- Australia: Paramount+, 10 Bold
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
- International: YouTube (Selected Territories)
Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC — FAQs
Q: When is the Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC match?
A: The match kicks off on Friday, 12 December 2025, at 19:35 AEDT (local time).
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It will be played at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
Q: Is Trent Sainsbury playing for the Mariners?
A: No. Sainsbury is ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury.
Q: Is Hiroki Sakai playing for Auckland FC?
A: No. The Japanese defender is out with an injury.
Q: How can I watch the match in New Zealand?
A: Viewers in New Zealand can watch live on Sky Sport NZ.
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