Macarthur FC vs. Sydney FC – A-League, January 30, 2021

A new A-League rivalry will be ignited on Saturday, January 30, when newcomers Macarthur host defending champions Sydney FC.

The Bulls currently sit three points clear of the Sky Blues in the standings, although the bookies are expecting the visitors to close that gap this weekend.

After checking out the betting odds, I will give my Macarthur FC vs. Sydney FC prediction and pick.

I don’t think anyone can argue with the odds that the leading online sportsbooks have rolled out for this matchup, but a lot of people might be shocked by the high price for the Sydney FC win (2.30) here.

However, when you consider that both these sides have experienced unpredictable starts to the season, the odds for the Macarthur FC win (2.85) are probably fair.

Macarthur kicked off their maiden A-League campaign in the best possible fashion, securing all three points against Western Sydney Wanderers in December.

But the newcomers were quickly brought back down to earth, with Central Coast Mariners claiming a 2-0 victory at Campbelltown Stadium just a few days later.

Still, following a 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix, the Bulls returned to winning ways last time out. Former EPL striker Matt Derbyshire scored his first goal for the club as Macarthur beat Newcastle Jets 2-1.

Having picked up seven points from a possible 12 so far, I think Ante Milicic will be pretty pleased with his players’ efforts. They have only lost one of their four games this term, and that isn’t a bad way to start your debut season.

However, with the reigning champs up next, Macarthur’s biggest test is just around the corner.

Loïc Puyo with the French twist for this week's #GOTW ??#ALeague #RunWithTheHerd #MFCBulls pic.twitter.com/noT0JfyM0X

— A-League (@ALeague) January 21, 2021

The Sky Blues have made an uncharacteristically slow start to the new campaign, taking just four points from their opening three matches.

Everything was going to plan when Sydney FC beat Wellington on Matchday 1, but after drawing with WSW, Steve Corica’s men suffered a shock 2-0 loss to the Mariners last weekend.

Unsurprisingly, the defending champions dominated their game against Central Coast. But despite seeing almost 60% possession and recording 12 shots, they were undone by two second-half goals, one of which was a Ben Warland own goal.

Something just isn’t quite working for Sydney FC at the moment. Corica’s men headed into the season on the back of a disappointing AFC Champions League campaign, and it feels like they haven’t fully recovered.

Can Macarthur capitalize on the Sky Blues’ poor run of form?

Ante Milicic’s men have given a good account of themselves during the early stages of their maiden A-League season, but beating the reigning champs is a big ask. Still, I can see Macarthur doing enough to snatch a draw on Saturday.

The Sky Blues showed glimpses of what they are capable of in their draw with the Wanderers, yet they were well beaten by the Mariners last time out. I’m expecting a response from Sydney FC this weekend, although it may not be enough to claim all three points.

At the very attractive price of 3.25, I believe the draw is the way to go here.