The 2024/25 A-League Men's season got underway with a bang last weekend, and Round 2 sees Adelaide United – the only side not to play due to last week's Bye – begin their campaign against the defending champions, Central Coast Mariners.

Central Coast faced Melbourne Victory in Round 1's rematch of last season's Grand Final, but unlike the dramatic finale of that game – won 3-1 in extra time by the Mariners – this one was a much cagier affair and opened the new season with a goalless 0-0 draw.

Adelaide finished a disappointing eighth on the A-League ladder last season despite a strong start, and they'll certainly be hoping for a stronger showing in the new campaign after missing the end-of-year Finals series by seven points.

Adelaide United vs. Central Coast Mariners: Match Preview

The Reds will be looking to start their season with a win, but they face a tough challenge against the defending champions.

Central Coast are a formidable opponent, having won six of their last seven head-to-head games against Adelaide. However, the Mariners have not had the ideal start to their campaign.

Adelaide will be hoping to take advantage of the Mariners' early-season struggles, but they will need to be at their best to get a result. The Reds have a new-look squad, with several key signings made over the off-season.

Adelaide United Team News

Several of Adelaide's off-season signings could make their debuts in this match at Coopers Stadium, with Dutch defender Bart Vriends, Dylan Pierias and Ben Folami all in line to start, and Ryan Kitto expected to captain the side from left-back.

Adelaide United predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Delianov (GK) — Javi Lopez, Vriends, Kikianis, Kitto — Isaias, Alagich — Pierias, Mauk, Clough — Folami.

Injured: NoneSuspended: None

Central Coast Mariners Team News

Their first game of the season was one of firsts for the Mariners, with 18-year-old goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen saving a Melbourne Victory penalty and 16-year-old Haine Eames becoming the youngest-ever Central Coast player. Ryan Edmondson and Alou Kuol went closest to opening the scoring against Victory, and are expected to keep their places up front.

Central Coast Mariners predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left):  Peraic-Cullen (GK) — Roux, Sainsbury, Kaltak, Mauragis — Doka, McCalmont, Tapp, Theoharous — Edmondson, Kuol.

Injured: NoneSuspended: None

Adelaide United vs. Central Coast Mariners: Predictions & Betting Tips

While the Mariners failed to find the net in Round 1, getting back into the rhythm of A-League play will surely help them this time around. That rhythm is something Adelaide will be lacking after last week's Bye, and as such we think the defending Premiers will just about edge this one.

We’ll chance Central Coast +0.25 on the Asian Handicap and divide our stake between 0 and +0.5 when they meet Adelaide. A win delivers a payout at -109 although a draw would still land a return.

Adelaide United were defeated in their last game. On the road, they suffered a 2-0 loss against Central Coast Mariners at Industree Group Stadium. Carl Veart's team boasted 63% possession and recorded four shots on target.

Central Coast Mariners played Melbourne Victory at home in their previous game. It was a 0-0 draw at Industree Group Stadium. The Mariners were 52% in the possession stakes and had one shot on goal.

Coast have triumphed in the last two encounters against Adelaide. They won 4-0 at Coopers Stadium and then 2-0 at Industree Group Stadium. We’ve seen seven Coast wins in the past 10 meetings between the teams.

Key Adelaide United vs Central Coast league stats:

4 wins, 5 losses and 1 draw, averaging 2.1 goals from 14.9 attempts and 6.8 shots on goal. United have had 51.0% possession, 438.9 passes and 7.8 corners per match. On average, the opposition have scored 2.0 goals from 10.5 attempts and 5.8 shots on goal, while earning 6.3 corners.

Top scorer is Hiroshi Ibusuki on 7 goals, while Nestory Irankunda has racked up 6 and Luka Jovanovic 3. Ryan Kitto and Stefan Mauk are tied for the most assists on 4.

Coast have 7 victories, 1 defeat and 2 draws, with an average of 1.6 goals from 4.2 shots on goal and 8.8 attempts. There’s been an average of 46.8% possession, 4.0 corners taken and 4.9 corners against, while they’ve conceded 0.7 goals from 3.9 shots on goal and 9.5 attempts.

Maximilien Balard has top scored with 3, while Ryan Edmondson, Mikael Doka and Angel Torres are next on 2. Joshua Nisbet and Mikael Doka have both managed 3 assists in the previous 10 games.

Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners: Match Prediction

Expect the visitors to claim a narrow victory with goals at both ends.

Prediction: Adelaide 1-2 Central Coast

Tip 1 - Central Coast to win

Tip 2 - Both teams to score

Tip 3 - Over 2.5 goals

Conclusion

The clash between Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams will be looking to start their season on a positive note, and the match is sure to be a tight affair.

With Central Coast's recent dominance over Adelaide, it's hard to see anything other than a Mariners win. But with Adelaide's new-look squad, they'll be hoping to make a statement.

This game has all the makings of a thriller. Be sure to tune in and watch the action unfold.