Macarthur FC vs. Western United – A-League, March 20, 2021

It’s the battle of the A-League newcomers on Saturday, March 20, as Macarthur welcomes Western United to Campbelltown Stadium.

The Bulls currently sit three points clear of the Green & Black, although Mark Rudan’s side has two games in hand over Macarthur. Let’s not forget that United crushed Macarthur 4-1 last month, too.

Can Ante Milicic’s men gain their revenge on Saturday? After looking at the odds, I will share my Macarthur FC vs. Western United prediction and betting pick.

Despite suffering a hefty defeat in this fixture less than a month ago, the leading online sportsbooks view Macarthur (2.05) as the favorite to claim all three points this time around.

As you can see, the bookmakers aren’t expecting Western United (3.20) to repeat last month’s heroics. But I’m sure Rudan’s men will be confident of producing a similar result.

In all honesty, it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict the outcome of a Macarthur match at the moment.

The Bulls claimed impressive clean-sheet victories over Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United, and Sydney FC last month, with many believing they could challenge for the title. But since then, away defeats to Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City have halted the club’s progression.

Given that Macarthur is new to the A-League, a record of W5-D2-L5 isn’t all that bad. But it feels as Milicic’s men should have been able to avoid some of their defeats this season.

English forward Matt Derbyshire has hit the ground running, netting seven goals across his first 12 appearances Down Under. Still, the Bulls have only managed to score 14 times this season, meaning Derbyshire has contributed 50% of his side’s efforts.

Derbyshire scored a late consolation goal in Macarthur’s 4-1 drubbing to Western United last month. If he doesn’t show up on Saturday, the Bulls will almost certainly struggle to compete.

The goal that sealed Matt Derbyshire his hat-trick and @mfcbulls' first home win ?

?: @FOXFOOTBALL #ALeague #MACvADL #RunWithTheHerd #AUFC pic.twitter.com/q2uXKDJCUi

— A-League (@ALeague) February 12, 2021

On the topic of relying heavily on a striker, it could be argued that Besart Berisha plays a similarly vital role for the Green & Black.

After scoring against the Mariners last month, Berisha bagged a brace in the win over Macarthur, before netting another double against Melbourne Victory in the following game. But the 35-year-old failed to score in the next two matches – and United lost both of them.

However, Rudan’s side returned to winning ways last weekend, albeit with a slender victory. Highly-rated youngster Dylan Pierias scored his fourth goal of the campaign to down Brisbane, despite an onslaught of attacks from the Roar.

Ultimately, you can look at United’s recent form in two ways. Rudan’s men have won three of their last five games, yet they have also lost two of their previous three.

The Green & Black can take confidence from last month’s thrashing of Macarthur, but they must also be cautious of the Bulls’ threat.

Given what happened the last time these two sides met, I just can’t look past the huge price for the away win here.

Following a couple of iffy results, Western United seems to be moving in the right direction again. On the flip side, Macarthur heads this game on the back of two lackluster losses.

The Bulls will be desperate to gain their revenge over United on Saturday, but I’m expecting the Gleen & Black to heap more misery on the newcomers.