Preview: Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Macarthur - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have the possibility of climbing into second place with a win depending on other results, adding further pressure to this fixture.

Match preview

Western Sydney Wanderers might be in a strong position in the A-League table as they currently sit fourth, but after two games in a row without a win they will be hoping for an improvement on Saturday.

They were involved in a frantic eight-goal thriller last weekend against Adelaide United where they shared the points in a game that proved to be very frantic.

Western Sydney Wanderers came from behind three times to secure a point with Amor Layouni scoring a 95th-minute equaliser to earn the point in a game that showcased attacking qualities and defensive frailties.

The poor performance at the back was an extremely rare one for Marko Rudan's men considering they have the joint-best defensive record in the entire division so far.

A return to that is what the team will be aiming for this weekend, and after conceding just six goals at home all season form is certainly on their side on that front.

With only two teams having scored fewer goals away from home than Macarthur this season, that is something that Western Sydney Wanderers will be confident of happening as well.

The visitors were also unable to pick up three points last weekend, but unlike their opponents, they were not able to salvage a point from the game either.

Macarthur were beaten by one goal to nil against Newcastle Jets which led to them overtaking the Bulls which they will now be pushing to change this weekend.

A big issue for Mile Sterjovski's team as of late has been consistency, with two wins, three defeats, and one draw taking place in their previous six matches.

Another defeat in this match could lead to them dropping down to the bottom four of the division which will place some pressure on the team this time out.

However, they will be hoping that this match is far shorter than their last outing which is one of the longest games in history, as it ran on for 295 minutes due to extreme heat, a storm, and lightning.

Western Sydney Wanderers Australian A-League form:

D

D

D

W

L

D

Macarthur Australian A-League form:

L

L

D

L

W

L

Team News

The hosts will be without Adama Traore this weekend after he was sent off in their most recent outing, which will see at least one defensive change be made to the starting XI.

Kusini Yengi made an impressive return to action in that 4-4 draw by picking up two assists, and he will be hoping to feature again this time out now he has had minutes in his system.

The visitors were dealt a major blow in their most recent outing after club captain Ulises Davila suffered a knee injury that is going to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Daniel De Silva was brought in from the first minute in Macarthur's last outing, and the defensive midfielder will likely be leaned upon again.

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Thomas; Cleur, Mrcela, Marcelo, Bonetig; Amalfitano, Nieuwenhof; Wilmering, Bozanic; Yengi, Borrello

Macarthur possible starting lineup:

Kurto; Vujica, Aspropotamitis, Uskok, Millar; M'Mombwa, De Silva; Toure, Baccus, Noone; Arzani

We say: Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 Macarthur

Western Sydney Wanderers might have failed to win a game in their previous two outings, but they will still be seen as the favourites this time out.

Their strong defensive performances throughout the course of the season being matched with Macarthur's struggles in front of goal should help the hosts here.

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