[Puda]

DRAW at 3.25

Some write ups from various websites:

The visiting Mariners can overtake Gold Coast in third position on the A-League ladder, with a win at Skilled Park on Sunday afternoon. The two sides have met twice already this season, with United winning a thrilling round 15 encounter at Bluetongue Stadium 3-2, having previously been held to a scoreless draw at home in round seven.
Gold Coast have by far the worst attendance average in the league and their past three games at Skilled Park have each seen less than 2,000 spectators through the turnstiles. But a much bigger turn-out is expected on Sunday, after owner Clive Palmer decided to offer free admission to the public for the match. How the home side react to playing in front of an anticipated crowd of 15,000-20,000 will be interesting to see.
United are backing up from a midweek loss to Newcastle Jets at Energy Australia Stadium and will be boosted by the return of pivotal captain Jason Culina from a minor knee concern. Central Coast are coming off a 1-1 draw away to Perth Glory last weekend and have lost just two of their 10 matches on the road this season Back the draw at $3.30.

Last up this week is arguably the game of the round as Gold Coast United take on Central Coast Mariners at Skilled Park in a clash that will go a long way to determining whether either side is capable of denying Adelaide or Brisbane a top two finish.United have a fine home record, having lost just twice this season, but they face a new challenge this week, namely the prospect of playing in front of a crowd. Owner Clive Palmer’s decision to hand out free tickets for the game has gone down a storm with the Gold Coast public and over 10,000 fans are expected to turn up and transform Skilled Park from a morgue into something resembling a football ground. In terms of team news for the hosts, Kristian Rees is available once more after missing the midweek clash with Newcastle through suspension, Zenon Caravella and Jason Culina are both expected to shrug off minor knocks in time to feature and Joel Porter may force his way into the starting eleven after completing his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Brazilian midfielder Robson, however, is struggling to overcome a knee problem, while exciting young striking talent James Brown may also miss out after picking up an ankle injury in the defeat against the Jets.

Mariners’ coach Graham Arnold, meanwhile, admitted that his charges got out of jail with their late and disputed equaliser at Perth last weekend and the men from Gosford will certainly have to show significant improvement if they are to pick up the win that would see them move above their hosts into third-place.
Daniel McBreen and Patricio Perez are both pressing for starts after coming off the bench to good effect against Glory and with the exception of long-term absentees Brad Porter and Jess Vanstrattan, Arnold has a full squad from which to make his selection.
There is precious little to choose between these two sides on paper, but Gold Coast have the edge form-wise and with the added bonus of finally having a decent crowd behind them, they may just nick a close one.
Prediction: Gold Coast United 2-1 Central Coast Mariners

The Mariners got out of jail out west, which showcased their great resolve this season. Gold Coast, meanwhile, came back to earth with a thud midweek in the Hunter. Both sides will be looking for improved efforts this weekend, as the losers will struggle to challenge for a top-two spot. The return of Jason Culina is a massive inclusion for the home side, and, with the expected large home crowd at Skilled Park, it should ensure a better output. The importance of this contest and the fact that these are two of the better defensive sides in the competition may mean a tight, intense struggle - and a share of the points.

GL.

[Gracchus]

Can't make up my mind on this one...
15-20k fans, being utterly foreign to GCU... how do they react?

[EaglesPhan36]

Central Coast PK/+0.5

[LostBankroll]

Backed the u2.5. bol to you all.

[Gracchus]

Since we have Puda on the Draw, and EaglesPhan on Central,
I'll give GCU the benefit of the doubt

Gold Coast United -0.5 @ 2.20 (1 Unit)

[beeps220]

My back yard has a better looking pitch than this does

[LostBankroll]

Will this pitch ad rain help my under?

[Gracchus]

actually, scratch that,

1 Gold Coast United @ 2.30
2 Ajax -1.0 1st half @ 2.35
3 Real Madrid -1.0 1st half @ 2.10
Parlayed @ 11.35

I'f i'm playing somewhat blind, might as well make it worth something.

[philliesfinest]

took the draw

[LostBankroll]

Christ a ******* penalty!!!

[LostBankroll]

YESSSSS!!!! LOLOL

[Gracchus]

they'll be playing in a lake by half time

[Gracchus]

Game Over

[zebo1337]

haha, game called off. Awesome.

[LostBankroll]

They stopped it!

[LostBankroll]

Will wagers be refunded?

[beeps220]

Will wagers be refunded?

Yes

[zebo1337]

Will wagers be refunded?

More than likely, it'll have to be rescheduled in a few weeks time i'd say.

[Puda]

Well that sucked. RAIN OFF.

[Gracchus]

There's a rumor going around, Simao Sabrosa may be heading to Adelaide United...
A-League international trade window opens in January
Simao's contract with Athletico Madrid ends in January
And Adelaide have hinted they're eying someone that may fit his description
http://www.wearethereds.com.au/home/...r-signing.html

[Puda]

There's a rumor going around, Simao Sabrosa may be heading to Adelaide United...
A-League international trade window opens in January
Simao's contract with Athletico Madrid ends in January
And Adelaide have hinted they're eying someone that may fit his description
http://www.wearethereds.com.au/home/...r-signing.html

A-League salary cap is quite small... Don't really think the Reds need a striker anyway... They need a defensive mid or defender.