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

However, Wellington Phoenix need just a draw to secure a place in the finals series, while a defeat could see them drop out depending on other results.

Match preview

While Macarthur are unable to get themselves into the finals series, they could end up finishing the season as high as seventh if they can win on Saturday and other results go in their favour.

Even though that will be difficult to achieve the focus for the team will simply be on not finishing the campaign sat at the bottom of the table where they currently are.

A defeat would guarantee that happens, and after six consecutive games without a victory the team will need a drastic change to make that happen.

Mile Sterjovski's men lost a crucial match against Melbourne Victory last weekend and it was a frustrating 94th-minute goal that led to the 2-1 defeat happening.

However, five of Macarthur's seven wins this season have taken place at home, and that should bring a little confidence to the squad.

The visitors will not care for Macarthur's bid to lift themselves off bottom though because a defeat could see them slip out of the top six, which would end their chance to be part of the finals series.

While a loss does not guarantee that they will miss out as it depends on the teams below them also winning and having a better goal difference than them, but that is not something that they will want to rely upon.

A draw will guarantee a sixth-placed finish and three points could see them climb up to fifth depending on the other results which is another positive.

Wellington Phoenix have gone five games without a win and their most recent outing resulted in a 4-0 defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers which they will need to put behind them.

The team have struggled a lot more away from home this season, particularly when it comes to scoring goals, but that is something that they will want to change against the team which have conceded more than any others.

Macarthur Australian A-League form:

L

D

L

D

L

L

Wellington Phoenix Australian A-League form:

W

L

L

L

D

L

Team News

Jake Hollman was given the chance to lead the line last weekend and he could be chosen again to partner Lachlan Rose.

Tomislav Uskok will also be hoping to retain his place in the team as he tries to continue bringing his defensive qualities alongside being an attacking threat which he proved last weekend by getting on the scoresheet.

Bozhidar Kraev and Callan Elliot were both brought back into the starting lineup last weekend for the visitors and using them again could be a choice that Ufuk Talay opts for.

Tim Payne slotted in at the back alongside Scott Wooton, and that is a partnership that will likely be used once more.

Macarthur possible starting lineup:

Kurto; McGing, Aspropotamitis, Jones, Vujica; Millar, Baccus, De Silva, Noone; Hollman, Rose

Wellington Phoenix possible starting lineup:

Sail; Wootton, Payne, Boxall, Sutton; Yan, Rufer, Ugarkovic, Kraev; Barbarouses, Zawada

We say: Macarthur 0-2 Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix do not head into this game in good form, but playing the bottom of the league could be the ideal way to change that as they look to secure their place in the finals series.

Previews by email