The final fixture of the 2025 calendar year in the A-League Men brings together Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar on Wednesday, December 31. It’s a clash between two sides at opposite ends of the table: the Mariners sit bottom in 12th place, while the Roar occupy third. Despite the gap in the standings, both teams have shown a tendency to produce open, competitive matches, and this encounter promises to be no different.

Central Coast Mariners’ Recent Form and Key Stats

The Mariners have endured a difficult campaign so far, collecting just eight points from nine matches (W2, D2, L5). Their recent form has been particularly concerning, with no wins in their last five league outings (D1, L4). The latest setback came in a 3-1 defeat away to Wellington Phoenix on December 21, a result that extended their losing streak to three consecutive matches.

Defensively, the Mariners have struggled, conceding an average of 1.7 goals per game this season, while scoring only 1.1 on average. Even home advantage hasn’t provided much relief: after earning five points from their first three home fixtures, they have since lost two in a row at their own ground. However, one consistent trend has been their ability to produce action after the break — over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half in 18 of their last 20 home matches, suggesting that late drama is often on the cards when they play in front of their fans.

• Current league position: 12th


• Last 5 matches: 0 wins, 1 draw, 4 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.0 per match


• Average goals conceded: 2.0 per match


• Last result: Lost 3-1 vs Wellington Phoenix (21 December 2025)

Brisbane Roar’s Recent Form and Key Stats

The Roar have enjoyed a much stronger start to the season, sitting third with 15 points from nine matches (W4, D3, L2). Their last outing ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Macarthur FC on December 19, which brought an end to a six-match unbeaten run in the league (W3, D3). Despite that loss, Brisbane remain one of the most consistent sides in the competition, particularly in defense, where they have conceded just 0.6 goals per game on average.

On the road, however, the Roar have shown some vulnerability. Both of their league defeats this season have come away from home, and they have managed only one win in five away trips (D2, L2). Their matches tend to be tight affairs — under 3.5 goals have been scored in each of their last 13 league games — reflecting a disciplined but sometimes conservative approach. Even so, their attacking efficiency has kept them competitive, averaging one goal per match across the campaign.

• Current league position: 3rd


• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat


• Average goals scored: 0.8 per match


• Average goals conceded: 0.6 per match


• Last result: Lost 2-1 vs Macarthur FC (19 December 2025)

Head-to-Head and Match Analysis

Historically, this fixture has been competitive. In their last five meetings, the Mariners have won three times and lost twice, scoring an average of two goals per game while conceding one. The most recent encounter ended 2-1 in favor of Brisbane Roar on May 2, 2025. That record suggests that both sides are capable of finding the net when they meet, and the data supports the likelihood of another goal-filled contest.

Given the Mariners’ defensive frailties and the Roar’s solid but not impenetrable back line, both teams are expected to create chances. The Mariners will be desperate to end the year on a high note and climb off the bottom of the table, while the Roar will aim to stay within touching distance of the top two. The combination of the home side’s need for points and the visitors’ attacking intent could make for an entertaining match.

Statistically, the probabilities for this fixture are finely balanced: Central Coast Mariners win – 28%, Draw – 25%, and Brisbane Roar win – 47%. The likelihood of Both Teams To Score (Yes) stands at 54%, while Over 2.5 goals is rated at 51%. These figures underline the expectation of a competitive and potentially high-scoring encounter.

Central Coast Mariners vs Brisbane Roar Prediction and Final Verdict

All signs point to a lively contest to close out 2025. The Mariners have been struggling for results but continue to find the net regularly, while the Roar have shown resilience and balance throughout the season. Considering both teams’ recent performances and statistical trends, goals at both ends appear likely once again.

Central Coast Mariners vs Brisbane Roar prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 54% probability.