Macarthur FC vs Melbourne City Preview
An intriguing battle between fifth and sixth should be a tight game with value on Macarthur to avoid defeat at home. They have lost just one of their last nine games and have a good recent record against City.
Mitch Duke played his first game for Macarthur off the bench against Central Coast last week and made an immediate impact. The Socceroos star can get amongst the goals in this one.
- Macarthur are unbeaten in eight of their last nine games in all comps
- Macarthur are unbeaten in five of their last six meetings vs City
- City have won just two of their last eight games in all comps
- Under 2.5 goals has landed in nine of City's last 11 games in all comps
- Under 2.5 goals has landed in three of Macarthur's last four games
- Three of the last six meetings have ended in a draw (two being 1-1)
- Mitch Duke returned with an assist, four shots and an xG of 1.29 in 30 mins off the bench last week
Macarthur FC vs Melbourne City Head To Head
Macarthur have a strong recent record against City, going unbeaten in five of the last six encounters, with the two teams drawing 1-1 back in Round 8.
Macarthur FC Proving Difficult To Beat
Macarthur come into this contest with a 5-5-4 record on the season, sitting in sixth spot on the ladder after 13 rounds.
Overall, it's been a pass mark for the Bulls so far this season, but they were also flying high in the top six around this time last term before fading late.
Although Mile Sterjovski's side have avoided defeat in eight of their last nine outings, Macarthur are winless in their last three, including a one-sided 3-0 defeat to Sydney FC two weeks ago.
Macarthur did manage to pick up a point away to the Mariners in a 1-1 draw last week, with Luke Vickery finding the back of the net after some good lead-up work from Mitch Duke.
Melbourne City End Winless Run
City have an identical 5-5-4 record to Macarthur, but are one rung ahead of them on the ladder due to a superior goal difference and stronger defence.
A lean run of five winless games was snapped with a 1-0 triumph over Brisbane Roar, but City's momentum was again stalled as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to the Jets in their next fixture.
Scoring goals has been an issue at times for City this season and failing to find the back of the net against the leaky Newcastle defence was concerning.
However, City showcased their champions pedigree last week, beating Auckland for the first time in a 2-1 victory, with Max Caputo equalising via the penalty spot before Medin Memeti's late winner secured all three points.