A-League Women Showdown: Central Coast Mariners Women Host Western Sydney Wanderers Women in Crucial Battle for Top Spot and Relegation Escape
In an anticipated A-League Women clash, third-placed Central Coast Mariners Women will host eleventh-placed Western Sydney Wanderers Women. This match is crucial for the Mariners to solidify their position at the top, while the Wanderers are desperate for points to climb out of the bottom of the table.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
Central Coast Mariners Women, the defending champions from the 2024-25 season, have shown strong form in the current A-League Women (Ninja A-League) campaign, currently sitting third in the league table. Their objective is to maintain their contention for the top spot and secure a playoff berth. In contrast, Western Sydney Wanderers Women, who finished 12th last season, are struggling this season, occupying 11th place and urgently need points to improve their precarious position at the bottom of the league standings. For the Mariners, this match is an opportunity to consolidate their ranking; for the Wanderers, it's a crucial battle for points to avoid another season of struggle. The top six teams in the league qualify for the finals series.
Recent Form
Central Coast Mariners Women are in good overall form, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses from 11 matches, boasting an excellent home record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses. Their most recent fixture, on January 17, 2026, saw them draw 1-1 with Perth Glory Women. Over their last five official matches, the Mariners have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss (D,W,L,W,D). In stark contrast, Western Sydney Wanderers Women are in very poor form, with only 1 win, 3 draws, and 7 losses from 11 matches played. Their home form is particularly concerning, with no wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses. The Wanderers' last game on January 16, 2026, ended in a 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar Women. Their form over the last five matches stands at three losses and two draws (L, L, D, L, D).
Key Players & Injury News
Central Coast Mariners Women boast several key players. Star midfielder Izzy Gomez, a recently capped CommBank Matilda, leads the team in assists with 5. Annalise Rasmussen is their top goalscorer, having netted 8 goals this season. Teenage talent Tiana Fuller is also a player to watch. However, the Mariners will be without defender Cannon Clough, who unfortunately suffered an ACL tear on January 16, 2026, ruling her out for the season. For Western Sydney Wanderers Women, Amy Harrison is the team captain, and Ella Buchanan is their current top goalscorer with 2 goals. The squad has also been bolstered by the arrival of Chinese internationals Wang Ying and Yuan Cong.