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Shandong Taishan will entertain Central Coast Mariners at Jinan Olympic Sports Center in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday. Both sides are in search of their first title in this competition.
Shandong Taishan vs Central Coast Mariners Preview
Shandong Taishan qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite as runners-up of the 2023 Chinese Super League. However, they began their campaign in the playoff round, where they defeated Bangkok United 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The hosts are eying a better performance in this edition following an impressive showing last term.
Taishan Dui reached the quarterfinals in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League but were bested by Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1. The hosts sit fourth in the 2024 Chinese Super League with five rounds of matches to conclude the season. They are yet to secure a continental slot and will need to win their remaining games to stand a chance.
Central Coast Mariners had a brilliant campaign in the Australian A-League last season, winning both the regular season and the final series. They also won the 2023–24 AFC Cup, beating Lebanese side Al Ahed in the final 1-0 to clinch their first title in the competition. Those results secured a place for the visitors in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Mariners are making their return to the AFC premier competition for the first time since 2015 when they crashed out in the qualifying playoff round. Central Coast Mariners are yet to resume domestic duties, with the 2024–25 A-League set to kick off on October 25. However, they played a friendly match against Auckland last month (2-2).
Shandong Taishan vs Central Coast Mariners Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Shandong Taishan have won thrice and lost twice in their last five home matches in all competitions.
- Shandong Taishan have appeared in this competition 11 times, reaching the semi-finals once while Mariners boast six participations.
- Shandong Taishan have won the Chinese top flight four times while Central Coast Mariners have won the A-League three times.
- Central Coast Mariners have won thrice, drawn once and lost once in their last five matches on the road.
- Shandong Taishan have won thrice and lost twice in their last five matches while Central Coast Mariners have won twice, drawn twice and lost once. Form Guide: Shandong Taishan – L-W-W-W-L, Central Coast Mariners – D-L-W-D-W.
Shandong Taishan vs Central Coast Mariners Prediction
Shandong Taishan are already in competition mode following their qualifying playoff against Bangkok United. They will hope to maintain the momentum against the visitors.
Central Coast Mariners will take their triple champions status to the AFC Champions League Elite, but that will make them a team to beat.
Shandong Taishan are the favorites based on home advantage.
Prediction: Shandong Taishan 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
Shandong Taishan vs Central Coast Mariners Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Shandong Taishan to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Shandong Taishan to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Central Coast Mariners to score - Yes
