Preview: Macarthur vs. Melbourne City - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts head into this one on the back of a heavy defeat last weekend, but do have the chance to potentially climb into the top half of the division with three points.

Match preview

Macarthur have had an inconsistent season so far, which is why they currently find themselves ninth in the A-League table heading into this weekend.

A big problem for the team has been the defensive side of the game, as no other team in the division has conceded more than them this season.

That is an issue that was highlighted during their previous match as they were defeated 4-1 against Central Coast Mariners even though Daniel De Silva had given them an 11th-minute lead.

Macarthur have conceded 10 times in their past three games which is less than ideal form as they prepare to face the highest-scoring team in the A-League on Sunday.

While the Bulls have been much stronger at home, picking up five of their seven victories at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, this weekend will provide a stern test for them.

The visitors currently sit top of the table and have a strong chance of winning the title this season, but they do face pressure from the chasing pack right now.

There is currently only three points between Melbourne City and their nearest challengers, and while they do boast games in hand on those closest to them, the team will not want to rely on those matches.

Rado Vidosic's men have been struggling with the pressure of leading the league as of late which has been highlighted by the fact that two of their three losses throughout the entire season have come in the past four games.

Melbourne City did get back to winning ways last weekend but they left it late to secure that as Aiden O'Neill's second goal came in the 88th minute to earn the 2-1 win.

A more dominant performance is something that the league leaders will be seeking this time, and they will no doubt take confidence from the fact that they got exactly that the last time they faced Macarthur, which was a game they won 6-1.

Macarthur Australian A-League form:

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Melbourne City Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Macarthur will be sure to rely upon De Silva's attacking qualities from midfield once again this weekend after he found the back of the net last time out.

Daniel Arzani was also moved into a more creative position in their recent 4-1 loss, and while the result was not a positive one he could be deployed with a little more freedom once again this time around.

The visitors are currently dealing with a variety of injury problems as Mathew Leckie has a hamstring problem, Richard van der Venne has a calf injury and Jamie Maclaren has been having to deal with a broken toe which he has played through.

However, these injuries have opened up opportunities for others with Andrew Nabbout and Valon Berisha both benefitting from more minutes on the pitch, which should continue this time out.

Macarthur possible starting lineup:

Kurto; Millar, Uskok, Susnjar, Vujica; Baccus, Hollman; Toure, De Silva, Arzani; Romero

Melbourne City possible starting lineup:

Glover; Bos, Lam, Reis, Talbor; O'Neill; Nabbout, Jamieson, Berisha, Tilio; Maclaren

We say: Macarthur 0-4 Melbourne City

Melbourne City might have been dealing with their toughest patch of form this season lately, but their attacking qualities should be more than enough to take three points from Macarthur this weekend.

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