A-League Preview: Melbourne City vs Macarthur FC, Key stats, Line-ups, Predictions

Denis Genreau of Macarthur-Neill of Melbourne City
Denis Genreau of Macarthur-Neill of Melbourne City

A-League table leaders Melbourne City will play Macarthur in the crunch semi-finals clash.

Stadium: Netstrata Jubilee stadium

Key Statistics

  • Melbourne City enjoyed a brilliant 20/21 A-League season, finishing at the top of the table to claim their maiden Premiership title.
  • Macarthur managed to secure a sixth-place finish in the table after earning a promotion to top-flight. They also defeated hosts Central Coast Mariners in the elimination playoffs.

Head to Head

Melbourne City have won one and drawn one in two of their meetings with Macarthur this season. Sunday’s encounter will mark their third of this season.

Recent performances

Melbourne City: DWLDL

Macarthur FC: DLWLW

Melbourne City FC

After ending up as the runners up in the 2019/20 season, Melbourne City resurrected their form and were able to get their hands at their first Premiership title. Now they are one step away from booking their place in the finals.

City ended up with the most wins (15) in the league; however, their form has slightly dipped since they were confirmed as the premiers. Perhaps, they were winless in their last three games (2L 1D) and will enter into the final four with a slight disadvantage.

Jamie McLaren was the driving force behind City’s successful run as he ended up as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals. Maclaren’s strike partner Craig Noone was also equally impressive after mustering a total of 6 goals and 8 assists. The duo will look to stamp their authority against Macarthur on Sunday.

Possible line-up (Melbourne City):

Tom Glover; Scott Galloway, Rostyn Griffiths, Curtis Good, Scott Jamieson; Aiden O’Neill, Florin Berenguer, Conor Metcalfe; Andrew Nabbout, Jamie MacLaren, Craig Noone

Macarthur FC

Macarthur FC were one of the underdogs in the 2020/21 season, and they pose a real threat to knock the A-League leaders off their perch.

The Bulls secured their place in the final series after finishing sixth in the table and went on to defeat Central Coast Mariners in the playoffs last week in the extra time.

Veteran English striker Matt Derbyshire holds the key as he is the second top goal scorer of the league with 14 goals.

Possible line-up (Macarthur)

Adam Federici; Mark Milligan, Aleksandar Susnjar, Aleksandar Jovanovic; Jake McGing, Antonis Martis, Beñat Etxebarria, Thomas Oar; Markel Susaeta, Charles M’Mombwa, Matt Derbyshire

Probability

Melbourne City : Draw : Macarthur FC :: 62% : 21% : 17%

Prediction

Melbourne City 1 – 2 Macarthur FC