Preview: Macarthur vs. Wellington Phoenix - prediction, team news, lineups

A victory for the hosts on Saturday would allow them to catch the Yellow Army, but the visitors could potentially climb into second place with a positive result themselves.

Match preview

Macarthur head into this game after four without a victory, and they have only managed a single win since the turn of the year which has placed pressure on manager Mile Sterjovski.

That was only intensified last weekend when they suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat against the current league leaders Melbourne City, which is something that the team will be keen to put behind them.

Macarthur have been stronger at home throughout this campaign though with three wins and a draw, and that is something they will need to bring to the forefront this time around.

Even though the Bulls are comfortable in ninth place the team does sit just four points from the bottom of the division which is something that they will be keeping an eye on.

Macarthur will also want to vastly improve on the last time they faced Saturday's opponents because that day saw them leave without a point after a 4-1 loss.

Wellington Phoenix had four different goalscorers on that day which showcased their versatility as a team from an offensive perspective which they have continued throughout the season.

However, while the Yellow Army have managed to score 25 goals throughout this season they have also conceded 24, which is a balance that they will be looking to find moving forward.

That has been clear recently as Wellington Phoenix's previous three matches have all seen a minimum of three goals being scored, proving the openness that they play with.

That game plan did not work out for Ufuk Talay's men despite the fact that Oskar Zawada scored his eighth goal of the season to give his team the lead in the first half.

Melbourne Victory responded well and wound up winning the match 3-1, which was a surprise result considering the fact they are currently bottom of the league.

Macarthur Australian A-League form:

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Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Kearyn Baccus missed out last weekend due to suspension, but due to his importance to the team in the heart of the midfield, he could make an immediate return this time around.

Moudi Najjar is another player that could push back into the starting lineup as his goal from the bench was one of the few positives from the 6-1 defeat.

The visitors will be sure to keep Zawada in the team due to the quality of his attacking football and the form he is enjoying in front of goal.

The Yellow Army could also offer a debut to new defender Nikko Boxall, who will bring further quality and experience from a defensive perspective.

Macarthur possible starting lineup:

Kurto; Vujica, Aspropotamitis, Uskok, Millar; M'Mombwa, Najjar; Toure, Davila, Noone; Arzani

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Elliot, Laws, Surman, Mauragis; Ball, Lewis, Kraev, Rufer; Barbarouses, Zawada

We say: Macarthur 1-1 Wellington Phoenix

While Wellington Phoenix head into this match higher up in the league table, that does not necessarily mean that they will take all three points from the match.

Their recent defeat against opposition below them in the division showcases how unpredictable things can be, which could lead to them sharing the points here.

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